Matt Wilkinson: Gotta Love An Underdog

Matt Wilkinson just proved to the world he can surf on his forehand and placed 2nd at the WSL Fiji Pro just falling short to a very in form Gabriel Medina.

“I’m really stoked with second. If I came here knowing I would have got a second I would have been absolutely frothing. It was disappointing not to get a big barrel when there were some to be had out there but I had 20 sets and one barrel and got caught in it’ Matt Wilkinson gracious in defeat. 

After a couple of throw away results, we were beginning to think the fire had burnt out for Wilko after his back to back wins during the start of the year, but with a huge result in the Fiji Pro beating some of the event favourites in dreamy conditions – including Ace Buchan and John John (Twice), Wilko climbs closer to that trophy and shows it ain’t no fluke, he means business. 

With the big Bells-like open faces of J-Bay and the rippable Trestle right hander suited for Wilkos backhand, does he have what it takes to lock in a few more good results and hold on? Nail biting stuff. 

Until then, here is an excerpt from Rip Curl’s Float to feast your eyes on of Matt Wilkinson flairing in the Mentawai’s . Enjoy!

Photo credit: Rip Curl