One of Australia's most respected surfers, Lee has graced the surfing spotlight for years. With an amazing WCT performance late last year Lee has cemented his position amongst the world's elite.

News Flash

4.11.03 Lee Winkler places equal 5th in Brasil WCT.

Athlete History

Lee has grown up surfing and living in the picturesque town of Coffs Harbour. Here Lee started surfing and competing at the age of 12 in his local board riders club. Now at 24 years of age, Lee is one of the most popular and marketable surfers in Australia.

Like most professional surfers, his parents introduced Lee to the ocean. Once he set foot in the ocean he instantly new he wanted to become a professional surfer and set his goals at reaching the top.

To reach his goals Lee’s 2000 competitive aspirations were sensational. After 1999’s lay off, Lee had no seeded position on the World Qualifying Series and had to start each contest from round one. This made Wink a much more focused and determined competitor, he had to surf three or four more heats than his travelling mates did.

Lee blew his competition out of the water and by doing so put himself in a qualifying position with the last event in Hawaii, The Sunset Pro. Wink had to progress through one more heat at Sunset to qualify, surfing against Sunny Garcia and Paul Paterson. Unfortunately, the night before all Lee’s surfboards were stolen and he had to borrow a surfboard that was much to thin and short. Lee finished third in his heat and missed out on Qualifying for the WCT by one place.

Last year lee achieved his goals with a third place finish in the Maldives provided the pinnacle of Lee’s 2001 WQS campaign. Together with a semi-final result in California and a quarterfinal earlier in the year in Australia, he secured his WCT qualifying position for the 2002 WCT.

With a completely different format to the WQS wink’s maiden WCT year was a learning curve. Despite strong performances and three fourth round berths during the early stages of his maiden WCT campaign, Lee was facing elimination heading into the final Hawaiian leg. Under extreme pressure and against the toughest opponents such as Joel Parkison and Mick Fanning however, he survived the tricky Sunset line up to finish runner-up in the Rip Curl Cup. He then backed this up with a quarterfinal showing at Pipeline, ensuring his re-qualification with added confidence. Having also reached three semi-finals in major WQS events, it proved a successful year all round. Lee finished the year in 17th position.

In 2003 Lee competed on both the WQS and WCT circuits. He has achieved some solid results and finished the year in 18th position on the WQS and 31st on the WCT.

In 2004 Lee had a better year and secured some solid results. He stayed consistent all year securing 17ths or better. Lee finished the year in 24th position.

This year Lee is focuing on the WCT and will be competeing in selected WQS events. Early this year Lee joined forces with Lightning Bolt and has his sights set on a top 16 rating.

Lee is an athlete who works extremely hard to achieve his goals. His amazing resurrection back to the forefront of world surfing after his 1999 lay-off year proves his dedication and commitment to reach his goals. Lee will continue to push his media profile this year and is guaranteed huge exposure as he carves his way to the top and reaches his top 10 WCT goal.

Personal Particulars

• DOB: 14/06/77
• Sponsors: Arnette , Element Surfboards, Kustom Shoes, Ocean and Earth , High Five wetsuits.
• Stance:- Natural
• Favourite food: Seafood
• Favourite music: All different kinds
• Other interests: Yoga, Boxing, Live bands, listening to music
• Years surfing: 12
• Years competing: 8
• Height: 159 cm
• Weight: 68 kg
• Eyes :Blue
• Hair: Dark Brown
• Shoe size: 9
• Pant size: 31
• Nickname: Wok
• Travelling quiver: 5’11”x18-1/8”x2-3/10”,6’0”x18-1/8”x2-3/16”,6’1”x18-1/8”x2-3/16”
• Favourite waves: Hollow
• Favourite manoeuvers: Long swooping Carves
• Favourite surfers: Curren, Occ, Kelly
  

Goals

1. 2005 compete in all WCT events..
2. 2005 compete only on the WCT and focus on exposure, photo shoots, editorial, trips etc.
3. To maintain and increase magazine exposure in all Australian and national surfing magazines.To achieve final top 10 WCT position.
4. To Win at least one WCT event.
5. Go on one international trip with several other high profile surfers.
6. Increase attractiveness to non-surfing industry media skills through personal media trainer and Out There Management.
7. Maintain peak physical fitness and health for optimum performance.
8. To be confident in interviews work and other promotional activities.
9. To develop and maintain international profile by receiving exposure in Japanese and American surfing Magazines.
   

Career HIGHLIGHTS

• 17th World Championship Tour final rating 2002.
• 2ND World Championship Event ,Rip Curl Cup, Sunset Beach, Hawaii.
• Quarter final , Pipe Line 2002.
• 2nd 6 Star World Qualifying Event, Nias 2000
• 3rd 5 Star World Qualifying Event, Maldives 2001
• 2nd World Title Under 18, 1995