World rated number three ASP Men’s World Tour surfer, Owen Wright of Lennox Head, Australia has withdrawn from the Australian Open of Surfing.

Owen’s management notified event officials on his behalf today (Wednesday, February 8th) citing illness associated with dehydration. 

Reports say Owen was feeling fine, surfing and filming for one of his sponsors but after the long stint in the water, his condition later deteriorated.

“The diagnosis is still hazy, but the assumption is Owen will be okay as long as he gets a chance to rest,” his media representative, Kurt Jacobs, said.

Owen’s high seed at the Australian Open of Surfing means he would surf his first heat in the blue ribbon Men’s 6-star WQS division next Thursday, 16th February.

“We certainly hope he’s okay by next Thursday and we assume he will be feeling okay by then but he might not,” said Jacobs. 

“So we decided the best course of action at this point is for him to withdrawal.”

Wright’s replacement is next highest alternate, Michael February of South Africa.

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