Wilson and Peterson win on Gold Coast

The first stop on the 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, witnessed an incredible start to the season as Lakey Peterson (USA) and Julian Wilson (AUS) claimed victory in extraordinary conditions at Kirra on the Gold Coast.

Unpredictable performances and massive upsets shocked surfing’s biggest stage at this year’s season opener to remind the world that anything can happen on the Championship Tour.

In addition to Peterson and Wilson taking the wins, a new generation of surfers stepped up to showcase their determination, and potential.

Peterson blitzed through the competition with the goal to surpass her 2017 Roxy Pro runner-up finish.

The Californian was unstoppable as she took down Australia’s Tyler Wright and Keely Andrew, and Hawaii’s Malia Manuel in the finals to win.

“I don’t even know what to say – there is too much emotion,” Peterson said.

“I feel like I’ve been working for seven years to get another win. Just to finally have it, it’s super surreal, and I’m so grateful. It beats you down if you don’t ever win something, so the hard work pays off.”

Peterson consistently achieves high scores in the tour, and pushes performance boundaries, but has failed to convert that to winning since 2012.

The Californian now overtakes Wright for the top spot on the Jeep Leaderboard.

“I’m going to hold onto that Jeep yellow jersey until the very last event,” Peterson said.

Wilson has had a rollercoaster start to his season after injuring his shoulder in January, then welcoming the birth of his child with his wife, Ashley, last week.

The Sunshine Coast local was unsure if he would compete but surprised all with the first win of the season and the fourth CT win of his career.

“This is a childhood dream come true to come down from the Sunshine Coast and win the Quiksilver Pro,” Wilson said.

“This is the closest event to home for me and watching guys win this event when I was younger is what lit the fire for me to want to be on Tour, so to win, is very special.”

Wilson has always been in the World Title conversation, but this win provides the 29-year-old with his best ever start to his Title campaign.

Wilson will sport the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey heading into the Rip Curl Pro.

Head to worldsurfleague.com.