Six-time world champion surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. Stephanie has dominated women’s professional surfing since she entered the scene in 2007 – winning a world title as a rookie and following with five titles in as many attempts – an accomplishment no other surfer, male or female, has achieved in the history of surfing.
Beyond her six ASP world titles, Stephanie has 32 elite World Tour victories. For her triumphs, Stephanie has also been awarded both the Laureus World Sports Award in 2010, considered the most prestigious award in action sports worldwide, and has received two ESPN ESPYs for Female Action Sports Person in 2011 and 2013.
Stephanie is considered one of the world's most stylish female surfers- a leader in women’s surfing, carving out her own path between the highest competition success and her free surfing abilities.
Follow Steph on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Recently crowned 7x World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, takes us behind the scenes of her shoot for Vogue Australia this month and has shared an exclusive #ROXYSneakPeek of our upcoming #POPsurf collection, launching in early 2019!
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Stephanie Gilmore, the Queen of Surf, has claimed her SEVENTH world title today in perfect conditions at Honolua Bay, Maui!
The win comes after a near perfect start to the event, with Steph confidently making her way through her round 1 heat with a total score of 16.16.
Coming into the final event of the 2018 WSL World Championship tour, Steph needed to either make her way to the Semi’s or have fellow title race contender, Lakey Peterson, eliminated in the early rounds.
The latter became a reality when Lakey faced Hawaiian wildcard, Alana Blanchard in Round 2.
And as the clock counted down from 10, atop the cliffs with Molokai in the distance and hundreds of locals cheering her name, Stephanie Gilmore made history and has equaled the great Layne Beachley’s long-standing record of 7 World titles.
With tears streaming down her face and her closest friends offering hugs and congratulations, Steph was crowned with a fragrant Haku Lei, made of local plumeria.
About Stephanie Gilmore
Seven world titles in thirty well-lived years, Stephanie Gilmore’s reign burns brightly in the surf pantheon. Hailing from the sublime coast of northern New South Wales, Australia, she claimed her first world title in her rookie year, in 2007. She was 19. Her swooping carves off the top oozed style and panache. Her vibrant smile and flowing long blond hair lit up podiums as she clutched yet another first place trophy. Smart, thoughtful, and articulate, she elevated the profile of women’s pro surfing to unprecedented heights. Stephanie is no ordinary world surf champion. In the water she rides a variety of wave craft, mining the history of surfboard design and revealing a prodigious versatility. One day she’ll cross-step to the nose of a 1960s-era longboard, calling to mind those halcyon days when surfing was sheer hedonism. The next she’ll don a contest jersey and go out and put on a clinic of lightning-fast maneuvers that give us glimpses of surfing’s future. Out of the water Stephanie’s insatiably curious. She likes to plug in her electrical guitar and make a whole lot of noise. She takes a keen interest in fashion. She delves into projects more akin to the art world than the athletic (in The Water Dancer she paired up with professional dancers to show the link between surfing and dancing). Most refreshingly, she asks questions. To hang out with Steph is have your self-esteem boosted several notches. Stephanie was awarded the Laureus World Sports Award in 2010, considered to be the most prestigious award in action sports worldwide. She won the ESPN ESPY for Best Female Action Sports Athlete in 2011 and 2013. But perhaps her greatest contribution to sport is the smashing of gender distinctions. Many regard her as “the most stylish surfer in the world, period.”
Introducing our latest collaboration with 7x World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore & a group of artists at the forefront of their respective mediums.
Illustrated by filmmaker, Masanobu Hiraoka from live-action footage and scored by the champ herself alongside LA-based musician Aska Matsumiya. The final result is wildly hypnotic and a mind-bending interpretation of form.
Scroll through for an insight into the creation of the musical score with Steph at Aska’s Californian studio:
The final day at the Rip Curl pro was an epic battle for not only Steph Gilmore but Tour rookie, Caroline Marks. Heat by heat the women gave the crowds plenty to cheer for, ICYMI, here are the highlights.
An early 6:30am start with the waves firing saw Bells turn it on with some 4-6 foot runners. Steph had fellow team mate and rookie on the tour, 16 year-old, Caroline Marks, to beat in her Semi.
Caroline certainly didn’t back down from the challenge, dropping an 8.77 in the opening minutes of the heat. However, Steph didn’t waver, waiting to drop the biggest wave of the heat- a 9.07 showing the rookie what it takes to make waves and move mountains.
Progressing through to the final, Steph met Hawaiian, Tatiana Weston-Webb. Hungry for the chance to ring the bell, both women traded scores throughout the 35 minute heat and kept everyone on the beach and lining the cliffs on the edge of their seat right down to the closing siren.
The 6x World Champ managed to claim the honors and now stands amongst some of the greatest in the sport, to have won 4 Bells trophies.
Just before she rang the bell, Steph’s excitement was undeniable, “I just won the Rip Curl Pro here at Bells Beach and I. Feel. Amazing!!”
Podium selfie with a fellow Bells legend, Mick Fanning.
Congratulations Steph!
photos- @wsl
As 2017 comes to a close we checked in with the team to find out what resolutions they had in mind for the New Year.
If you're a resolution maker or breaker, we hope you have a very happy New Year and we're looking forward to sharing more magic moments with you in 2018.
After starting the year with a win at the #ROXYpro Gold Coast, Steph has bookended the 2017 season in spectacular fashion at Honolua Bay, Hawaii, and in turn claimed her 4th Maui Pro title.
With the first heat of the day against newly crowned Women’s World Champion, Tyler Wright, Steph looked relaxed as she made her way down to the water.
The crowd on the cliff and the fans at home could no doubt tell that it felt like more of a competitive free surf between good friends than a traditional semifinal heat.
Steph found her groove early, scoring the only 9 point ride of the day, which all but sealed her place in the final.
Carrying a renewed confidence as she hit the water, Steph took the lead against Hawaiian, Malia Manuel, into the final heat of the year. With pumping waves rolling through the bay, Honolua became the perfect amphitheater for Steph to showcase the grit and determination that has earned her 6x World Titles. As the siren sounded and the cliff erupted in cheers, Steph’s trademark grin was the perfect ending to a memorable day.
‘This is an unbelievable feeling. And it feels so much better when you see the smiles from the fans and supporters who are there the whole way, cheering on with you. Honolua Bay turned on the magic for us. It’s one of the best feelings in the world, taking off on beautiful long faces in front of the cliffs. Just magic’.
3 hours Northeast of Los Angeles lies a small town called Lemoore. Once, just a dot on a map is now the home of Kelly Slater’s world-renowned Surf Ranch.
After months of speculation, The World Surf League and a select group of surfing's elite held a first-of-its-kind test event. The invitees were frothing to experience the perfect wave designed by the eleven-time World champ himself.
Although no live stream was available, the WSL did have a live blog to update fans on all the action.
After each session, the post heat interviews all echoed similar sentiments as 6x World champ, Steph Gilmore; “This is just a magical day, I can’t believe it.” “Every single wave is so much fun and challenging and nerve-wracking. That was just so special!”
The contest format was unique. Each surfer was able to ride four waves. Two lefts and two rights. Judges combined the highest scoring waves from each to determine which four males and which four females would advance to the finals.
Steph was on fire throughout her heats, claiming four 9-point rides, which saw her join Carissa Moore, Tyler Wright and Johanne Defay in the final four. But it was 3x World Champ, Carissa, that ended up narrowly edging out Steph for top honors.
Although it was not all smooth sailing, history was made in Lemoore, California on September 19, 2017
Late last year we packed our bags (including some very thick wetsuits) and headed as far north as our travels have ever taken us, into the arctic circle and into the dramatic scenery of Norway’s Lofoten Islands. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure delivered a chance to see the Northern lights, soak up some Viking heritage and score a few icy Scandinavian waves.
Rather than we tell you about it, we asked Mainei Kinimaka to break it down for you.
Scroll down to read more >
After the ROXY Pro France last October, Steph, Kelia, Monyca and I went on a European adventure I’ll never forget. Our travels took us from Northern Norway’s sub-zero temperatures of the arctic circle to the desert heat of the Canary Islands. This was my first ever international shoot with ROXY, so I brought along my camera to document our journey. There are too many moments to count that were amazing, crazy, and hilarious, but here are some of my favorites!
You know the saying, “It’s about the journey, not the destination?”. This was absolutely the case on our way to Unstad, Norway. After 4 flights, we arrived in the small town of Bodo. From here, our entire crew walked through the town from the airport to the dock, where we would take a ferry to the Lofoten Islands.
1. On our way to the dock we stopped to have breakfast at the only restaurant in town, a tiny orange building on a jedi serving up freshly made heart-shaped waffles with berries and syrup. It was an adorable little spot with lots of friendly locals who gave it a homey feel. These were the best waffles I’ve ever had and maybe ever will.
2. The four hour ferry ride from Bodo to the Lofoten islands was simply breathtaking. The ship was beautiful so we did some shooting on the bow as we sailed passed an abundance of tiny islands, and the sea was the glassiest I’ve ever seen. On one side of the ship we could watch the sun setting over the lofoten islands, and on the other side we could watch the full moon rising over the sea.
3. After driving from the dock we reached the tiny town of Unstad. We were warmly welcomed by the family at the Arctic Surf Camp, and after dinner we stepped outside to witness the most amazing sight, the northern lights! Our entire crew was in awe and we yelled in excitement at every bright green flare that appeared in the sky. I still can’t believe how lucky we were to see the northern lights only about an hour into arriving in the arctic circle.
4. Surfing in the arctic circle was something I’d never imagine myself doing. The beach was covered in ice and frost, so we suited up in our 6 ml wetsuits with booties and hoods. Just walking across our lawn to the shore turned my feet completely numb. It was freezing but so worth it!
5. By far one of the weirdest, but funniest, experiences we had on our trip to norway happened late at night on our last day in Unstad. It was nearly 1am at night and all the girls were in our rooms, jokingly talking about norwegian ghost stories and tales of trolls. Steph was really riling us all up about it so we all decided to put on our coats and walk around town looking for the “little people”. The minute we step out of our rooms to go down stairs we hear a pounding on our door and we absolutely freak out, screaming and running back up stairs. Sis runs into her room, locks her door, and calls her husband, Joe. Steph, mons, and I have our moment of courage and walk down stairs to see what’s there. It may sound like we were over reacting, but you have to understand that Unstad is in the middle of nowhere, and our house was on the beach, a fair distance from the rest of the town. Only about 30 people live there and they were definitely all sound asleep by now, so who could be knocking at our door in the middle of the night?
We cautiously open the door to find a group of teenagers eagerly standing on our doorstep. After some explaining (and teasing about our screams upstairs) we found out that they were all attending a gap year program in the lofoten islands where you learn how to surf. They said they saw our posts on instagram and knew exactly which house we were staying in because it was the only one with a trampoline on the lawn. They drove for hours, all the way to Unstad to come meet us and invite us to go night surfing with them. It was one of the coolest moments ever. I got to meet all of these norwegian girls my age who were so passionate and committed to surfing that they put on those huge wetsuits every day to surf in arctic waters, even at night!
Cruising through Hawaii's North Shore with Steph Gilmore video by Morgan Maassen
Wander the Pacific. Ride a reef pass. Settle into the sand and soak in the sun.
Our latest #POPsurf collection draws its printspiration from honored Japanese woodblock and Polynesian tapa cloth prints that call directly to our mountain and wave heritage.
The subtle blend of peachy nudes, contrasting indigo and soda blues, complement the light neoprenes, daring cuts and perforated details for a true balance of performance style in the surf.
We’ve created these stand out styles for long beach days where you’ll catch your wave of the day and kick out smiling.
It’s hard to describe the magic of just what was captured during our shoot on the Gold Coast with Steph Gilmore. It was a day where everything seemed to fall into place after a string of stormy days that threatened to have the project moved another 24 hours.
What we didn’t expect was a crew that kept the good vibes rolling from first light until the final shot, and who was leading the charge? Renowned fashion photographer, Simon Upton.
Despite Simon’s work gracing the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazzaar and Elle to name a few, he’s one of the most down to earth people you are likely to come across. He has an innate ability to set everyone at ease and this shines through in his work.
How did you get started in photography?
I got started in photography a few years after I finished my swimming career (I swam in the 1988 Olympics for Australia). I had always had an interest in photography and when my sports career ended, I moved to Holland. There I began assisting established photographers who were in the fashion industry and after 6 months of assisting decided this is what I wanted to do so I began my career. I taught myself by shooting images everyday of everything and anything I could, though I always loved photographing people.
Where are you from originally?
Born and bred in Avalon Beach, Sydney, NSW.
Where are you currently based?Currently live at Bilgola, with my wife and 2 sons on Sydney’s Northern beaches.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by a will to get better at what I do in everything. I really feel that I get better with time, especially with photography which is something I really feel you get better the longer you do it, your knowledge and understanding of light evolves.
Where is the most captivating location you’ve visited?
I’d say the most captivating for me are the most remote places like the Solomon Islands, or the Telo islands where I’ve been lucky enough to visit. In saying that, I’m a bit partial to the far North of Western Australia, for its unique beauty, light and indigenous culture.
What was the highlight of shooting with Steph?
Steph Gilmore is super easy to work with she’s very relaxed and at ease with herself. Photographing her is more fun than anything else. I worked with her quite a few years ago and in that time, she hasn’t changed a bit. A highlight was seeing her surf. I surf myself so being around a World Champion was a great part of the day. Though you’d never know she has 6 World Titles, she could be just another girl at the beach (She just rips!!!!)
A week after the #ROXYpro Gold Coast wrapped, we were back on the beach with Steph Gilmore, working on a special project alongside the team from Destination Gold Coast and celebrated Australian photographer, Simon Upton.
We spent the day cruising some of the Gold Coast’s iconic locations with one of its most beloved and revered locals. Steph shared a few of her favorite places along the way, with a rolling commentary of good times shared, waves found and observations of an ever-changing landscape.
Take a sneak peek from behind the scenes by checking out the clip and pics below.
