Best Sections of All-Time: Julian Wilson in Stranger Than Fiction

In the early 2000’s Quiksilver introduced us to Julian Wilson via the Young Guns films. He was that new guy that every boy wanted to be and every girl wanted on their wall. He had the best looking boards and the silkiest style. He even made white sunglasses and puka shell necklaces look cool for a hot minute. Nothing ever looked out of place for Jules. 

Fast forward to 2007 and Taylor Steele was directing his latest masterpiece, Stranger Than Fiction — which featured a whole new crop of surfers that were making their mark. Dane, Jordy, Dusty, Dion and Julian were leading the new generation that was on the rise. Young Julian looked right where he belonged within that peer group as well.

Stranger Than Fiction set the bar for what was on the horizon in this era of professional surfing. Aside from the action being at a level we hadn’t seen before, Taylor (and Kai Neville’s ear in this case) always had a trend-setting soundtrack behind it that took the surfing to the next level. The Presets, Metric, PNAU, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs along with an eclectic mix of other rock and electro pop groups headlined the film.

In my opinion, Stranger Than Fiction was man-sized Julian making his first real appearance after the Young Guns films. He grew into his body and had a bit more weight behind his perfectly draw arcs. More power as he would blast through the lips and the most pop out of his backside tail whips out of anyone (especially on the Firewires).

Another thing that always stood out about Julian was the finesse he had in everything he does. It’s rare to see him with something out of place or to see him not utilize the whole wave as he combos his way down the line between the longest drawn out bottom turns of all-time. Big call, but I’d compare it to that of Curren.

Julian went on to make more films and even his own signature film (which is why he declined the invite to join join Kai Neville’s Modern Collective).

As far as Julian parts go though, this 2007 one in Stranger Than Fiction takes the cake for me. Julian’s surfing to Got Love to Kill (MSTRKRFT Remix) by Juliette and the Licks is one of those that is etched into my mind permanently. 

After releasing a few more iconic parts he went on to the WSL Championship Tour where he fell right into his place bringing his innovative approach to the tour combined with his effortless style and flow. To nobody’s surprise, he went on to win multiple events, including a Pipe Masters title, but the world title alluded him to everyone’s surprise. He did have the sickest rivalry with Gabriel Medina that I wish would have burned for a little longer, but it was fun while it lasted. 

Pop this on and turn up the volume and get ready to throw down your meanest combos next session.—Brandon Guilmette

JULIAN WILSON IN STRANGER THAN FICTION