Parko back in action this weekend

Why Joel Parkinson will be back on the waves this weekend after retiring last month.

DESPITE hanging up the jersey less than a month ago, Gold Coast surfing great Joel Parkinson is back on the waves.

Parkinson officially retired for good in December after competing at the pipe masters, however the call of the ocean was too strong and he will be riding the waves at the Burleigh Single Fin Classic this weekend.

Joel Parkinson after he ended his 17-year surfing professional career last month. AAP Image/Supplied by WSL

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Parko said so far the retirement life is suiting him well.

“So far so good- can’t complain. I’ve been fishing and surfing and enjoying the off time at the moment, but ask me in a few weeks when I’m back to reality,” he said.

Parko insists that the Burleigh Single Fin will be one of the only times he’ll put the jersey back on, with it being one of his favourite competitions.

“This is surfing for fun,” he said.

That’s all I want to do for the rest of my surfing- just surf for enjoyment and this is one that’s really enjoyable and I enjoy this weekend and I enjoy the single fin and not take it too seriously.”

I’ll surf for my beloved boardriders club Snapper Rocks, but other than that there won’t be too many time I’ll put the jersey on to compete.”

Parko has the chance to surf at the Snapper Rocks Club Championship on December 29, but said it was a little too soon.

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“I was just a spectator. It was a bit too fresh to throw a jersey on,” he said.

Heading into the Burleigh Single Fin Parko said he is looking forward to the event with the weather expected to bring good sets.

“Awesome- it’s going to be a good little weekend of waves and they’ve got good little banks at Burleigh,” he said.

Parko competing in the Singlefin Surf Classic at Burleigh Headland in 2017. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Sunday could be really good if this cyclone eventuates out on the Coral Sea that’s there at the moment. It could send in a really nice swell for us.”

While he’ll be putting the competition jersey back on, Parko said he’s only here for the fun.

“Win or lose I’ll have a great weekend,” he said.

I’m not really phased on the result- It’s just about enjoying it.”

However, Parko will still be on the hunt for a win, riding a 1980s Alan Byrne channel single fin.

“My good mate Clay is lending me the same board that I won the event on in 2017. Hopefully it’ll be in good nick and ready to go,” he said.

The Burleigh Single Fin Classic runs January 5-6.