Julian Wilson signs Nike deal

Coast surfer Julian Wilson has signed a five-year deal with Nike. It’s believed to be among the largest individual sponsorship deals in the sport’s history.

SURFER Julian Wilson has signed a breakthrough deal with sporting giant Nike that will catapult him on to the world stage.

The five-year agreement, which is reportedly worth a staggering $1 million a year, is believed to be among the largest individual sponsorship deals in the sport’s history and will provide the Coolum Beach competitor with a tidal wave of support for his assault on the 2011 Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour.

“The timing of the move couldn’t have been any better,” Julian’s brother and manager Bart Wilson said yesterday.

“This is the next step in his career.

“I’m not going to talk about how much the deal is worth, but it’s a five-year deal with Nike 6.0, which is an action sport off-shoot of Nike.

“It means Nike will support him on the world tour and in anything else he wants to do.”

He joins a Nike sporting stable which includes the likes of sporting superstars Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lance Armstrong.

With his iconic surfer looks and exciting surfing style, Julian is seen by many pundits as one of the rising stars in the sport.

In a statement, the 22-year-old said he was “really excited about the move”.

“With where I’m at in my career right now, it seemed like the right time to make a transition and an excellent opportunity,” he said.

“Nike has been pushing the direction of the sport of late and I’m really eager to be part of that movement.”

According to Sunshine Coast surfing identity and former professional Robbie Sherwell, Julian is one of the most marketable characters in the sport.

“Just look at him. He’s a good-looking young guy, he’s well grounded and has a good family background,” Mr Sherwell said. “As far as surfing goes he’s got everything going for him and as far as Nike 6.0 is concerned he could be the next world champion.”

“Quiksilver have marketed him as the next Kelly Slater over the last couple of years – and he’s beaten Kelly Slater two or three times.”

Bart said Julian, who is away from the Coast on a photo shoot, had enjoyed a strong relationship with former sponsor Quiksilver, but was eager to forge his career with Nike, a relative newcomer to the sport.

“Julian has stepped down from using the traditional surf brands that 90% of professional surfers still use but Nike is moving in an exciting direction,” Bart said.