Many surfers seem to live by the ethos that life is simply about having fun and not taking things too seriously. Wilson, however, is a surfer with a big heart and an even bigger conscience. At the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast, in February 2008, Wilson dedicated the most high profile event of his career to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, by competing on a pink board .
After being inspired by his mother successfully beating breast cancer 13 years ago, Wilson competed on a pink board to raise awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. ”Two of my friends on the Pro Junior circuit have lost their mums to the disease. Breast cancer touches almost everyone at some point of their lives, it could be your mum, wife or friend going through the disease, nobody is immune to its affects,” Wilson said. The event was particularly significant for Wilson, as it marked his return to the place where he beat Kelly Slater at Snapper Rocks in 2007's event.Showing off for the camera
Not content with merely being a spectacular wave rider, Wilson also loves to create surfing films. He recently finished filming for Taylor Steel, for C3. "I did a trip to Lakey Peak with his filmer, Ivan, and friends Dusty Payne and Kalani Robb. It was a great trip to finish things off with because we were all pushing each other to get sick stuff, in really fun waves!"
In fact, it was during a filming session in Japan in 2007 that Wilson accidentally invented his signature "Sushi Roll" maneuver. "Things like that just happen when you’re surfing. I don’t plan them before I paddle out!" said Wilson. Call it a lucky accident, but Wilson's rise to the top is no fluke. 2008 is Wilson's year and it's only half over.
Wilson surfing in New South Wales
