How surfer is breaking new ground at Quiky Pro

He’s just the second indigenous surfer to go full-time on the WSL tour. Meet Soli Bailey.

Soli Bailey, of Suffolk Park, Byron Bay, will make his World Tour debut at the Quiksilver Pro today and is the second Australian indigenous pro surfer to compete full-time in the WSL.

He follows in the footsteps of Wollongong’s Robbie Page, a 1985 Pipeline Masters champion.

The World Tour opening event, the Quiksilver Pro (men) and Boost Mobile Pro (women) is likely to start at Duranbah Beach today instead of Snapper Rocks due to a lack of sand banks after the Tropical Cyclone Oma swell.

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Although Rainbow Bay is another option. The swell and wind conditions are perfect for D’bah and Rainbow and there’s every chance the whole tournament will run in five days for a Sunday’s final.

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Bailey, 23, has been a standout surfer for the past 10 years and spent time competing in the Snapper Surfriders Club during his junior years, coached by Snapper president Jay Phillips.

He started surfing at two in 1997 when his dad pushed him onto a wave at The Pass, Byron Bay.

Soli Bailey from Byron Bay warming up at the 2019 Sydney Pro for his WCT debut at the Quiksilver Pro 2019 – photo credit: Ethan Smith (Surfing NSW)

“He used to stand me up on the board holding me steady and let me go once the wave caught me. He also did surf coaching so I’d tag along and get on the big foam boards and join in,” he said.

Byron has had its share of world-class performers like Gary Timperley, Danny Wills and Keiren Perrow

“I’d look up to them for advice and guidance. Willsy and I are good mates, and have competed together in the Byron boardriders comps, it’s a great club with lots of spirit,” Bailey said.

“Freddo (Neil Cameron) is a great president and super supportive. I love being able to participate when I can in boardriders events.”

Soli Bailey crowned as the first Australian to win Volcom Pipe Pro photo by Heff/WSL

Becoming the first Australian to win the Hawaiian Volcom Pipe in 2017 was his first major international victory.

“It was probably my biggest achievement to date, surfing amongst the best surfers in the world,” he said.

“It feels awesome to have won that comp.”

Bailey almost qualified for the World Tour in 2015 finishing just outside the cut-off in 18th position.

“At times the pressure I put on myself was the hardest. I really had days where I wondered if it was all worth it,” he said. “I am pretty driven though and surfing is what I know and do.

“Training and getting a team around me has really helped me in 2018. I really started the year with a different approach.”

Bailey is proud of winning the 2015 Australian Indigenous Titles at Bells Beach.

“My grandmother is of the Yaegl people from the Coffs Harbour area. I’m really proud of her and my ancestry,” he said.

He is motivated by winning, plays golf and goes fishing in his spare time. His craziest experience is swimming with sharks in Hawaii, surfing 30-foot waves at Jaws and jumping out of planes.

Soli is conservation conscious of daily habits.

“Don’t use plastic straws, don’t use plastic bottles, consider where the waste ends up and what’s poured down the sink,” he advised.

And what will it take to be a world champion?

“Not sure of the formula just yet but I know I’ll need perseverance and mental stamina,” he said.

“I think enjoying the experience too. Be healthy and have good people around you.”

Look out – Bailey could be the deadly underdog at the Quiky Pro.