Banting sits more than 3,000 points clear of his nearest rival on the World Qualifying Series (WQS) after his decision to forgo expensive early season events in China and Morocco paid dividends when he posted a succession of strong results in Australia.

The 25-year-old took out the Vissla Central Coast Pro in late February before backing it up with a fifth at the Surfest Newcastle Pro and a runner-up finish at the top-rated Sydney Surf Pro.

But all that momentum was wiped away when professional surfing's governing body, the World Surf League (WSL), was forced to cancel all the events on its calendar up until June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Banting said it was unfortunate to have his good form interrupted, particularly when he'd already suffered setbacks in his career.

"It's a little bit frustrating because I've already lost a year in my career with injury," he said.

"I was really looking forward to going to Piha (New Zealand) and keeping things going."

With no word yet from the WSL regarding its plans for the rest of the season, Banting has been left to wonder what will become of his latest quest to requalify for surfing's top tier, the World Championship Tour (WCT).

"I was thinking hopefully they don't wipe away the points, but I don't think they will," he said.

Banting previously spent two years on the WCT but fell off with injury at the end of 2016.

Looking ahead, he said it'd be ideal if the tour was able to get up and running again by late July, but he admitted it seemed unlikely.

Still, given the situation he finds himself, he knows he's a lot more fortunate than most.

With many countries enforcing tighter restrictions than Australia, most of Banting's international rivals haven't even been able to surf, let alone compete.

Apart from the physical benefits surfing gives him, the knowledge that many of his opponents are out of the water also brings with it a distinct psychological edge.

"It's a big disadvantage for them," he said.

In the meantime, Banting is determined to stay on top of his surfing and fitness for when things do get back underway.

The fact that the coronavirus hasn't impacted on anything other than his ability to compete has also given him a lot to be grateful for.

"I haven't heard of anyone in my friendship network who's been affected by it," he said.

"Just seeing my parents and still being able to exercise and stuff - it puts more appreciation back in the system."

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