[3] Wilson's mother is a breast cancer survivor,[4] and he was inspired to ride a pink board by a close family friend and international cricketer, Matthew Hayden, who plays with a pink bat for the corresponding cause.

Wilson was in the water during the final of the J-Bay Open 2015 in South Africa when three-time world champion Mick Fanning was attacked by a great white shark.

He paddled toward Fanning to assist, was praised for his action, and was subsequently hailed as a hero.

Following the ordeal, Wilson gave a tear-filled interview, and when asked, "You guys are locked in a title battle right now, and to put things into perspective, does that mean anything to you at this point?"

He lost to Gabriel Medina from Brazil in the third round of the men's shortboard.