Wilson warms to waves

Julian Wilson claims the Breaka Burleigh Pro.

Stephen Robertson

COOLUM surfer Julian Wilson called on his refined aerial skills to win the four-star ASP Breaka Burleigh Pro on the Gold Coast last weekend.

The 23-year-old started slowly during the heats, but gained momentum as the event went on, producing some brilliant reverse aerials to down Mick Fanning and Josh Kerr in the final and set a solid platform for an assault on the 2012 world title.

"It's been an incredible event. I was really looking forward to surfing against any of these guys, and we all met in the final which was perfect," Wilson said.

The ASP Tour's Rookie of the Year in 2011, Wilson said Burleigh offered a perfect opportunity to prepare for the coming Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast which opens the World Tour.

"We enter the event to get ready for the Quiksilver Pro.

"I increased my performances through each heat, dusted away the cobwebs and feel good about winning," he said.

Fanning wasted no time in the final, opening with a strong 8.77 ride in the first minute.

Wilson patiently waited for decent waves and called on his aerial reverse moves to nail the big scores.

Midway through the final Wilson found what he wanted and matched Fanning's score.

The Sunshine Coaster then secured the win with a 7.77 on his final ride.

Not surprisingly, Kerr proved to be Wilson's greatest challenge after he nailed a massive aerial to post the highest score of the final - a 9.23 - but was unable to find a decent back-up ride.

"Second is good, but it's also disappointing.

"Particularly when you get the best wave score in the final," Kerr said.

"But still, it was great preparation ... a super fun event with big crowds and good waves."

The Burleigh Headland was packed with spectators who enjoyed the dominance of Queensland's four best surfers in this event and the scenes reminded many of the jam packed Stubbies crowd from events back in the '70s.

Wilson now heads to Sydney for this week's 6-star Australian Open of Surfing, before returning to the Gold Coast for the Quiksilver Pro which marks the beginning of the ASP World Title Series events for 2012.

Up and coming Coolum junior Kelly Norris performed well against a world class field to get through to round three.