World Surf League champion Tyler Wright shifts focus for 2017

AUSTRALIAN world surfing champion Tyler Wright says she won’t be defending her title in 2017. It’s not what you think.

Tyler Wright in action this season. She won five events on the women’s tour to secure the world title.

Tyler Wright says she won’t be defending her world surf title in 2017.

It’s not what you think.

Wright says she will be back on the World Surf League circuit competing for a second title.

The 22-year-old world champion says she will consign everything she has done in 2016 to the past and go into the new year with a fresh approach.

Tyler Wright at Fairy Bower near Manly after being named as the face of the 2017 Australian Open of Surfing. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I’m not going into the year to defend a world title. I won’t be thinking about it that way,” Wright said.

“I will be chasing a second world title. That’s how I’m looking at it.”

Wright confirmed she will also be continuing her relationship with coach Glenn Halls, the man who helped mastermind her maiden world title in 2016.

“It was year of getting to know each other and that will only get better in time,” Wright said.

And in a warning to rivals Wright believes she is still on a steep learning curve as she enters the prime of her career.

Wright arrived home with the world title in mid-October. Pic: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

“I am only just getting started. I can improve heaps,” Wright said.

“I am always going to be working on things. There are so many things I haven’t done or learned yet.

“I just need the time.”

Wright ended the year as the only Australian in the top five on the women’s world tour.

She also ended it as the first woman since Stephanie Gilmore in 2008 to win five events.