Aussie court jester Matt Wilkinson has plenty more tricks up his sleeve

HE’S the world tour larrikin who scored a surprise win in the Quiksilver Pro season opener but his rivals believe Matt Wilkinson has plenty more tricks up his sleeve.

Final of the Quiksilver Pro Surfing contest at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast. Mens Final winner Matt Wilkinson stoked after his win.. Picture Glenn Hampson

HE was the court jester of the world surf tour, the funnyman who goofed around and made people laugh.

But the surprise winner of the Quiksilver Pro season opener could have a few more surprises up his sleeve according to the people who know Matt Wilkinson best — his rivals.

And even the 27-year-old late bloomer of world surfing now has the belief he could cause more than a few more upsets this season.

The man can certainly dress. Picture: Mike Batterham

Dietary and lifestyle adjustment have seen him strip five kilos plus off his frame, now toned and muscled from significantly more time in the gym and water than ever before.

“I’ve put on some muscle there instead of the little chow boys,’’ laughed Wilkinson of the loss of his budding beer belly thanks to physical fitness and surfing sessions overseen by his new coach Glenn Halls.

“The old hairy belly is looking a bit flatter these days.’’

It’s flatter and he’s faster, fitter, stronger and more confident than ever before thanks to his breakthrough world championship tour victory on the Gold Coast last week.

Triple world champion Mick Fanning said the win simply proved what he and other surfers on the world tour have always know — Wilkinson has talent.

“He’s a clown but we have all known what he could do,’’ said Fanning, who threw the victory party for the popular “Wilks” and Tyler Wright after their Gold Coast wins.

And he’s not a bad surfer either. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Everyone has known he has so much talent. I don’t want to put pressure on him but what happens now could be down to his self belief.’’

Now attempting to defend his world No.1 ranking at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Wilkinson, 27, says his breakthrough victory on the world surf league at Snapper Rock has finally silenced his own self doubt.

“It’s made me feel like my surfing is the best it’s ever been,’’ said the NSW central coast surfer who has now relocated to Byron Bay.

“All those little niggles that were in my mind have gone. Those little self doubts when you don’t know if you are strong or fit enough.’’

Australia’s male surfing ranks have been significantly thinned this season with Owen Wright and Bede Durbidge both out with injury and Fanning about to take a break from the world tour.

Originally published as Aussie court jester Matt Wilkinson has plenty more tricks up his sleeve