Julian Wilson Breakas In 2012 With A Win

Photos: Andrew Shield

Julian Wilson's combination of aerial attack and killer turns found him the high scores in the final.

It was an almost all-Queensland affair for the nailbiting four-man final of the 2012 Breaka Burleigh Pro. With just seven heats to complete before the winner was crowned today, the best at Burleigh were quickly whittled down in the 2 foot choppy surf to just the final four left standing: honorary Queenslander Mick Fanning, and true Maroons Julian Wilson, Bede Durbidge and Josh Kerr.

In the small, on-shore wind-affected waves the surfers who could adapt and combine lofty airs with slick turns were the ones who scored highest with the judges.

And in the final it was two-time World Champion Mick Fanning who fired the first shot, racing down the Rockbreak with his trademark speed and extreme top-turn hacks. With an 8.77 in the early minutes of the half hour final, it looked like Fanning had command.

Mick Fanning looked sharp all day, darting across the waves and posted the first big score in the final.

But Julian Wilson patiently waited for decent waves and called on his aerial reverse moves to nail the big scores. Mid way through the final Wilson matched Fanning’s 8.77 and then late in the final secured the win with a back up 7.77 on his final ride.

“It’s been an incredible event and I was so looking forward to surfing against any of these guys and we all met in the final which was perfect,” said Julian.

“We enter the event to get ready for the upcoming Quiksilver Pro which begins the World Title season and through every heat here I’ve increased my performances, dusted away the cobwebs and feel good right now about winning.”

Not surprisingly Josh Kerr proved to be Wilson’s greatest challenge after he nailed a massive aerial move to post the highest wave score of the final of 9.23 but he was unable to find a decent enough back up score to overtake Wilson.

“Second is good but it’s also disappointing, particularly when you get the best wave score in the final but I’m good, it’s great preparation and it has been a super fun event with big crowds and good waves.”

Kerrzy can never be discounted and after boosting a massive air reverse slob in the final he almost stole the win from Julian Wilson.

The Burleigh point was packed with spectators who enjoyed the all-Aussie final from the four best surfers in this event and the scenes reminded many of the jam-packed Stubbies crowd from events back in the 70’s!

After dedicating his win to his critically ill grandmother in hospital, the smile returned to Julian Wilson's face when he held the Breaka trophy aloft.

Wilson now heads to Sydney for this week’s 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.

Julian Wilson holds the 2012 Breaka Burleigh Pro trophy aloft, on the podium with the all-Aussie finalists, Josh Kerr (2nd), Mick Fanning (3rd) and Bede Durbidge (4th).

For full results of the Breaka Burleigh Pro go to breakaburleighsurfpro.com.au

For all the latest World Tour news head to ASL's Air Asia World Tour Page.

We had to get to Burleigh early to find this spot for the ASL RAV-mobile. Photo: Sam Norwood.

Burleigh Heads was so crowded with spectators on the point and even on the recent stormy driftwood piles. Photo: Sean Radich

With onshore winds on the Burleigh ramps it was time for the aerialists to shine.

With the small choppy waves it was hard for some surfers to execute high-scoring turns.

Mick and Kerrzy paddling out in front of their home crowd fans.

Bede boosting off the lip.

Julian climbing the face of an inside-running Rockbreak wave.