"This is what I wanted, I wanted to push myself, I wanted to feel that feeling..."
Jubilant scenes at Snapper Rocks, yesterday afternoon, after Stephanie Gilmore took down Brazil’s Luana Silva to win the Gold Coast Pro. Locals, who had been given the day off to celebrate their labours, flocked to Snapper Rocks to enjoy warm autumn sunshine, soy milk beverages, Kaipo Guerrero’s lingering stare into middle distance and competitive professional surfing at the highest possible level were gifted a treat that will linger, in memory, for one generation.
Gilmore, 38, had taken last year off tour but returned for the ’26 season after securing a lucrative Rip Curl sponsorship. In the first two events of the season, Bells and Margaret River, it looked as if the gambit might have been foolish. The eight-time world champion lost in the first round of each and got lightly trolled by the aforementioned Silva.
With something to prove, Gilmore turned in a vintage performance, riding her hometown waves with a grace and elan that signaled “I’m gonna send you back to school” to the highly-regarded up-and-comers.
The Queen of Queensland put down Caitlin Simmers in the quarters, Nadia Erostarbe in the semis then throttled Silva in the finals, pocketing a pair of sevens before the Brazilian knew what was happening.
The pièce de résistance, or piece of resistance, however, came with eight minutes remaining when Gilmore unleashed on a wave, clocking the end section to the tune of 9.5 sending the beach into a frenzy.
“I really didn’t think I was going to win a comp this year,” Gilmore humbly said afterward. “I’m trying to be positive, but I was also like – the girls are just at a whole new level. It’s epic, this is what I wanted, I wanted to push myself, I wanted to feel that feeling, like – can I do it?”
Si ella puede.
Ethan Ewing also won but I can’t remember who against.
Your comments are still here. Every one of them.
Twelve years of BeachGrit comments came across from Disqus. Connect and we will show you how many are yours. We get your username, nothing else.
Connect Disqus to reveal.
Excellent competition mostly but the Gilmore victory was mapped out before the event started.
I’m not a good enough surfer and don’t know enough pro’s/industry peeps to have a valid opinion.
You brought up this anonymous chit chat, not me.
My name is Jamie Currie. I’ve been posting under my real name above the line for years. And plenty personal details in there too. I don’t use social media so have no profiles. Beyond that, what do you want to know?
Do you pull back from set waves this often too?
So what was your previous moniker? Or is that an international secret too? (You’ve clearly learned the art of the “inverted comma” from Sam Waters.)
But nah. It’s your turn. You write one first.
Or let’s both do Raglan and see which is better?
Ridiculous huh? Nobody but yourself has put their name in the same sentence as Dez, Taj etc. I just said send one in. Who’s asking for you to not remain anonymous? Your words have far less weight to them when posting anonymously, You talk the big game of who you know, how well you surf and are constantly shitting on people for cheap laughs.
I like contest reports of all sorts, good and bad, I’ll even enjoy the Cosplay play ones in the comments. If you don’t want to send one in, don’t but respect is earnt by going above the line.
As always you mention “everyone” & “most” when you get a handful of upvotes. Even then “a few” vouch for you (one, being Crayfish) You’re definitely not cosplaying with the delusions of grandeur!
Except you’ve said basically fuck all about the actual surfing? You’re writing a hundred words in affected Aussie pidgin on a message board and calling it a comp report.
Report on a comp. Every heat, for the duration of the event. Say something original or entertaining. Use your insider knowledge and technical expertise gleaned from all your “mates who’re insane surfers” if you like. Send it to DR as Negs says.
You’re talking a whole load of shite about your own abilities and mine, even though you know nothing about me and are curiously guarded about your own identity.
Do you know me?
@Chazz Michael Michaels:disqus check out this guy. Stop and worship at the alter of the bastard child of the Bronzed Aussies.
Actual lol. Seems like he’s kind of a big deal. Cosplay slipped for a bit though. And I wasn’t aware of any technical breakdowns in his reports or insider information? Unless you count Steph visiting his daughter’s school? That’s pretty connected right enough.
I love all the assumptions though, truly. Love that this little crew go out of the way to emphasise how hardcore they are and how well they surf. I’ve met few genuinely great surfers keen to emphasise their skill. They must all be here?
It’s old salty men on the internet, holding onto the glory years. And yes I’m guilty! fuck you!
His insider knowledge so far has been he knows someone who made of the broadcast gals squirt. All class.
Being a great surfer and being able to articulate thoughts into an original take on a contest report are two different things. Remember you are just commenting under someone else’s words. If you’re all that you think you, stop pissing in your pocket while basking in a some false dopamine hits from a few dozen upvotes and send a real report into to Dez who is an actual writer and has been an editor of some of the greatest Surf magazines.
It’s a real question.
said while typing… 200+ words just this one comm & replies…
¡¡¡Mi amor, nooooooooooo!!!
Now up where?
You surf alright? what does that have to do with a contest wrap.
Every syllable.
hahahahah
Steph making Micheal Petersen proud! Raw speed…tubes and performance. STP baby🤟
Worth waiting for right enough.
Sure wish he was still hereabouts