Jackson Baker, a 26-year-old surfer from Newcastle, is determined to win back his spot on the World Surf League (WSL) tour after a narrow loss in 2023. Baker, who finished just 1.5 points short of advancing at Margaret River, was cut from the tour and spent the rest of the year competing in the Challenger series. He fell short again in Brazil, losing by 1.3 points to Shion Crawford, missing qualification by one spot.
Baker, who grew up in Merewether, is part of a strong Newcastle surfing tradition that includes Ryan Callinan and Morgan Cibilic. He credits local role models like Mark Richards and Luke Egan for inspiring his career. After a successful junior career, Baker was on the verge of making the WSL when the pandemic hit, forcing him to work as a bricklayer's labourer and delivery driver to fund his surfing.
Baker made his rookie WSL season in 2022, surviving the cut and earning solid results. He has gained a cult following for his blunt post-heat commentary and no-nonsense attitude. Baker says he wants to show his true self, not just be a robotic professional athlete. He rides a bright pink board as a tribute to his mother, Tracy, who died of breast cancer in 2016, which has helped him keep perspective on his career.
