Surfing news: Julian Wilson says the ‘dream tour’ is dead and the Brazilians have our measure

Australian Olympian Julian Wilson reveals why the Brazilians won’t be beaten for some time and the reason behind his sudden hiatus from professional surfing.

Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions prompted professional surfer Julian Wilson to turn his back on the world tour to spend time with his family but the tour veteran has not ruled out doing an Ash Barty and returning to international competition after an extended break.

Stuck in Newcastle courtesy of border lockdown in Queensland, Coolum’s Wilson said the surfer’s “dream tour” concept doesn’t exist any more and said it’s hard to see anyone else on tour being able to reciprocate the hunger of the Brazilians.

As a newly minted Olympian, Wilson got to see Brazilian Italo Ferreira up close and personal on the way to the sport’s inaugural Olympic Games gold medal in Toyko earlier this year — and then promptly stepped off the tour treadmill.

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Julian Wilson takes part in Tokyo Olympic Games at Tsurigasaki beach. Picture: Getty Images

“The Olympics were better than I imagined,” he said.

“And I just felt so much responsibility representing Australia ... it was so much bigger than I thought — nothing like a surfing event and I was blown away.

“Even without spectators it is the biggest event I have surfed at.

“The athletes village, the Opening Ceremony ... the athletes were like avatars, they were such specimens and so primed and just ready for their Olympic moment.

Wilson at Merewether Beach in Newcastle. Picture: Tim Hunter

“And the Brazilians all year have been the ones to beat.

“With all the changes that have happened with the world tour and the competition schedule ...

the Brazilians have been too hungry.

“They are just tenacious and with the waves, most people would say a lot of the waves at world tour events were mediocre this year compared to the standard wave quality, but the Brazilians just stepped up.

The Australian surfer has taken time out to prioritise his family.

“Until we go back to the full schedule of events they will be hard pressed to beat, they are used to making the most of messy, inconsistent waves.”

The pandemic and lockdowns forced Wilson to rethink his life and in the immediate future he will only compete in events within Australia.

“We have the two kids now and putting myself in isolation for six weeks during the year with three hotel stints ... it gives you a lot of time to think about things and what really matters. I’ve chosen to prioritise my family,” he said.

“I am not retiring but hopefully this will may also inspire others to be brave and do what they know is right for them ... it’s OK to do what you think is best for yourself, despite what other people may say.”

Wilson is now fronting an Oakley “Be Who You Are” campaign to help inspire people — particularly kids — “that they don’t have to conform, to be brave and embrace who they really are,” he said.

Originally published as Surfing news: Julian Wilson says the ‘dream tour’ is dead and the Brazilians have our measure