Surf and no family takes toll on Wilson

TRAVELLING and competing on the World Surf League tour alongside his family is for Julian Wilson “what it’s always been about”.

So after more than a year of doing it all away from those he holds most dear, the Queenslander has some much-needed perspective.

The Aussie medal hopeful joined a handful of fellow Tokyo-bound athletes in skipping the recent WSL tour event at the Surf Ranch in California.

The surfing competition begins at Tsurigasaki Beach on Sunday and Wilson (pictured) knew the surf at home on the Sunshine Coast would be better preparation than wave pool technology in California.

But the 32year-old’s decision to fly back to Australia was based on more than just preparation. In an Instagram post last Saturday, Wilson said he would take indefinite leave from the WSL tour following the Olympics, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

All the hints were there days earlier when he spoke about the emotional toll the tour had taken on him over the past 12 months.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year so far, travelling overseas for the world tour, (it’s that) focusing on prioritising myself and my family is essential,” Wilson said.

“The quarantine really takes a toll on you and not being able to return to Australia between events isn’t ideal.”

The WSL tour has had to regularly duck and weave as the Covid-19 pandemic took a foothold across the world, making for a life of quarantine and Covid tests.

Suddenly, the surfing Wilson loved so much became less.

“I’ve got two little ones,” Wilson said of his children Olivia, 3, and River, 1.

“My first, she did two laps around the world in the first two years of her life, coming with me and my wife on tour, and that’s how I love to do it and what it’s always been about for me.

“Everybody is adapting to the situation but I’m finding it really tough spending that time away from the kids.”

Wilson said the sacrifices would not be in vain.

“I feel like I’ve found some form at the end of the Australian leg and my surfing feels strong and where it needs to be,” he said.