From bricklaying to Bells Beach: Australian surfer Jackson Baker plots return to the WSL

Jackson Baker’s surfing is eye-catching not only for his big turns but also the bright pink board beneath his feet, a tribute to his mum who died of breast cancer. Photograph: Brydie Piaf/The Guardian

“It’s been one of those years,” sighs Jackson Baker. The 26-year-old Novocastrian may lay claim to being the world’s unluckiest surfer in 2023.

After a strong start to the World Surf League, including a career-best quarter-final at Bells Beach, Baker needed a reasonable result at the midway event of the season to remain on tour. In recent years, the WSL has introduced the dreaded “cut” whereby the field gets slimmed halfway through the campaign – with only 22 men and 10 women remaining.