Julian Wilson is one of the most stylish surfers ever, a surfer who combines perfect technique and flow with modern progression. An elite surfer for the past two decades and one of the best to watch, and although he never pinched a world title (damn it, Medina), Julian was a regular top 10 feature on the CT. With stand-out performances at the heaviest tour stops, Julian showed prowess in waves of consequence to back his high-performance surfing. Throw in his show-stopping movie parts, and you have one of the best and most influential surfers ever.
Julian’s surfing will stand the test of time and in this post, we dive into the life of Julian. From his upbringing and early rise to fame to how he secured one of the biggest sponsorship deals in surfing. We’ll also check out why Julian retired and what he’s up to now in and out of the water. It’s been an illustrious career, which means we have a lot to get through. Let’s get down to it.
Table of Contents
Julian Wilson’s Early Life & Rise to Fame
Julian had what most would consider the perfect surfing upbringing. Born and raised in Coolum Beach, Queensland, Jualin grew up around a family of keen surfers and what can only be described as the perfect environment for a budding surfer. Warm water year-round, a scattering of fun beach breaks, and Noosa’s dreamy point break just a short drive up the coast–a combination that would pave the way for young Julian.
At a super young age, Wilson drew the eyes of sponsorships after competing in regional and national events as a grom and wowing with progressive surfing and a style well beyond his years. Julian would enter all categories in these events, taking out the longboard category, smashing the junior division, and well in the men’s as well. Wilson joined Quiksilver at a super young age and became the face of the brand alongside Kelly Slater, Jeremy Flores, and Freddy Pattachia.
After a successful junior career and incredible free surfing, Jules was getting traction from around the world. Spending more and more time away from school; surfing on boat trips alongside his heroes and competing on the WQS, Julian reached his destiny, the World Championship Tour. However, after qualifying, Julian decided to take a year off to film his signature movie “Julian Wilson: Scratching the Surface”. Which, if you haven’t seen it, I’d drop what you’re doing, and check it out now. Julian, confident he would qualify after a year off, went back on the WQS and did exactly that.
Julain’s Career, Highlights & Achievements
Wilson spent the best part of two decades as a regular fixture in the top 10 on the Championship Tour. After filming his hit movie, Julian went all in and hard into the competitive scene. He finished 9th in his first year; winning the coveted Rookie of the Year award with solid performances at major world tour locations. In 2012, he backed up his first year, showing everyone that his first year at the highest level wasn’t a fluke and that he was there to stay–making a real charge for the title. He finished 9th again in 2012 and took out the Rip Curl Pro Portugal as his maiden event win.
In 2014, Julian won one of the hardest and most prestigious events to win on the entire CT roster–The Billabong Pipe Masters. Julian impressed everyone with a fearless performance at heavy first reef Pipeline, not that he needed to prove anything in big surf after some incredible tow waves at the Teahupoo Code Red swell the year previous.
After surfing for Quicksilver for a decade, Julain was offered a huge contract from Nike, after the sports brand entered surfing and Julian was treated like a true sports star, up there with Tiger Woods and the top basketballers of the time. You can watch more about one of the biggest contracts in surfing, in Stab Magazine’s How Surfers Get Paid). It’s an epic watch!
Julian took out The Triple Crown of surfing in 2014, the Billabong Pro Teahupoo in 2017, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in 2018, and the Quiksilver Pro France in 2018. What a year! Unfortunately, he was pipped to the post by Gabriel Medina for the world title in 2018. After a competitive break due to Covid in 2020, Julian represented Australia at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 (2021) but again lost to Brazilian Medina, in round 3 of the men’s shortboard event.
Julian then retired after the Olympics, aged 33. The decision came as somewhat of a shock to some, but Julian stated the decision was to pursue a life outside of surfing, spend time with his family, and a decision that made him, quote; “The happiest I’ve ever been.”
Julian Wilson’s Personal Life & Interests
Julain is a strong advocate for breast cancer as his mom overcame the disease and Julain stands alongside fellow Australian Jackson Baker as an advocate. Often riding pink boards and wearing pink boardshorts to raise awareness. He is also strongly behind a number of environmental causes helping to protect the coast around Australia and the world. Julian also loves cricket, skateboarding, and dirt biking!
Wilson is married to model Ahsley Osborne, and the pair have two young daughters. After retiring and spending more time with his girls, Julian started the surf and lifestyle brand Rivvia project, to create “surf gear that I actually feel comfortable in when performing.
Today & The Future of Julian Wilson
It’s no doubt that Julain is and has been one of the most influential surfers of our time. An Australian great with CT event wins and movie sports to back it. While we don’t see Julain surf as much as we used to, we can still delve into the archives and check out movies like Lost Atlas and Scartching the Surfcae, hen surfing was very much at its peak financially and in my option, movie production-wise.
Dan Harmon is a content writer and full-time surf travel enthusiast. He travels the world full-time while creating surf content, traveling to the world’s best surf destinations, and hunting out some lesser-known corners. You can follow more of Dan’s travels over on his YouTube Channel, website, and Instagram.
