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These surfers motivate me deeply. This is what I was meant to do,” Julian Wilson expressed, reflecting on his hopes for a strong, sustained return to top-tier competition after advancing from the Trials to the CT Final at the Gold Coast Pro in Burleigh.

The former World No. 2 had stepped away from the tour in 2021, citing pandemic-related travel challenges and a desire to spend more time with his two young children. However, even then, he hinted that his departure might not be permanent. “I’m not calling this a retirement from professional surfing. The decision I made aligns with my top priority: my family,” he stated in his original announcement.

By early last year, with Wilson launching his clothing brand Rivvia and sporting a nearly bald look, it appeared his retirement had shifted from temporary to permanent. But then, out of nowhere, he requested and received a wildcard entry into the 2025 Challenger Series.

“Freesurfing is fun, but it doesn’t compare to the satisfaction of competing under pressure in a jersey,” he said. At that time, many thought we’d have to wait until the first CS event in Newcastle in June to see if he could find that satisfaction again. However, after 10 days and 9 heats, progressing from the Trials to the Final at Burleigh, Wilson made it clear he still belongs at the top level.

Despite his impressive feats and aerial maneuvers, Wilson still faces the challenge of proving himself in the CS, a grueling series featuring 100 surfers, 6 events, and only 10 spots up for grabs—arguably the toughest surf competition to date. If he qualifies, Julian would begin the 2026 CT at 37 years old, with only Jordy Smith, by 9 months, being older. While there are many “ifs” involved, if Wilson continues to perform at this level, he would undoubtedly be a contender for the World Title. The question remains: where would this place him in the ranks of surfing’s greatest comebacks? To match or surpass the legends, he would need to replicate—or exceed—the feats of those on the list below.

Tom Curren

By the age of 26, Tom Curren had already secured two World Titles. In 1988, he stepped away from the tour, moving to France with his wife and young daughter. However, after riding a 6’9” Reverse Vee shaped by Maurice Cole during the Basque winter, he found new inspiration. In 1990, Curren returned to competition without a seed, meaning he had to fight through at least four rounds of Trials to even qualify for the Main Event. After claiming victory in Santa Cruz, he went on to secure a dominant and historic third World Title. At the time, his journey from the Trials to the Title was seen as groundbreaking and was hailed as the sport’s greatest comeback.

Occy

Occy, renowned for taking nearly a decade away from professional surfing, spent much of that time battling drug and alcohol addiction, as well as depression. In 1996, nine years after stepping away from the tour at 18, he returned to the QS. Just two years later, he rejoined the CT, finishing World No. 2 behind Kelly Slater. In 1999, he completed one of the greatest comebacks in surfing—and sports history—by winning the World Title. At 33, he became the oldest surfer to claim the title at that time. Occy continued competing until 2007 and retired around the same age Julian is now.

Chelsea Hedges (Georgeson)

The 2005 World Champion, Hedges, took a break in 2008 after the birth of her first child, Meika. The goofyfooter made a triumphant return, earning Best Female Performance at the SURFER Magazine Poll and finishing in the top 10 of the CT rankings. In 2010, she finished World No. 6, but a series of significant injuries led to her early retirement in 2011. Although her time away was brief, her return to elite competition as a mother deserves more recognition.

Kelly Slater 

At the end of 1998, after winning six World Titles in seven years, Kelly Slater announced he was taking an open-ended break from the tour. Having already cemented his GOAT status and being considered ancient at 29, many surf fans feared they had seen the last of Slater in competition. However, in what seemed too coincidental to be true, Kelly returned to the tour after a three-year hiatus just as Andy Irons began to rise to prominence. AI dominated the World Title scene with three consecutive wins from 2002 to 2004, before Kelly reclaimed his crown with back-to-back victories in thrilling showdowns with Andy in 2005 and 2006. He would go on to add three more Titles to his name before retiring in 2024.