MATT Banting admits he was always looking at 2016 as a year where he would warm back into the World Surf League.
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A dislocated knee forced him out of the tour last year, but he’s now confident he’s on back on track to return to his best.
The 21-year-old returned to Port Macquarie last week for a brief visit, but he’ll head off to Fiji on Wednesday for the Fiji Pro which starts on June 5.
“It’s always good to return home and spend some time with your mates because you can only spend so much time away,” Banting said.
Despite suffering a third-round loss to world number 13 Michel Bourez at the Oi Rio Pro, Banting was happy with his performance.
He gained revenge over Kolohe Andino in the second round.
“He beat me last year in the same round so it was good to beat him,” Banting said.
Banting has gained more confidence as his knee has strengthened.
His event scores have improved after performances at Margaret River, Snapper Rocks and Rio recently.
Just like a footballer needs time out in the middle, he knows there is nothing like spending time in the ocean.
“I’ve gotten a lot of confidence out of my heat wins and I was out of sorts at Snapper earlier this year, but with each contest the knee improves just that little bit more,” he said.
“I remember reading that it takes 12 to 18 months to fully recover from it because you’ve got the scar tissue left over.”
Banting flies out to Fiji on Wednesday.
“Normally we’d go over a little bit earlier, but they’ve got the women’s pro the week before so there’s not much room on the island,” he said.
Banting will take to the water in heat seven alongside Australian Julian Wilson and Brazilian Wiggolly Dantas.
He’s still not sure what to expect over on the island.
“It’s a bit hard to see what the conditions are like this far out, but a lot of the south-facing beaches over there have had good swell recently,” he said.
“I’m feeling good, motivated and confident I’m getting better and better.”