Stephanie Gilmore, widely regarded as the greatest female surfer of all time, is taking a break from competitive surfing in 2024. The eight-time world champion announced that she won’t be competing in the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour season, instead focusing on enjoying other things in life.
“I am planning to take this time as a refresh for myself physically, mentally, and enjoy following swells and free surfing in new places,” Gilmore said in a statement released by the WSL. “I have some projects and trips I want to do, which haven’t been possible while traveling during the season. I am still passionate and dedicated to competing, and I have goals and dreams that I am still chasing – I’m excited for this year to activate those and I look forward to returning in 2025.”
The news comes just days after Team USA Olympic champion and five-time world champion Carissa Moore announced she was stepping away from the sport after she defends her Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
The surfers’ absence will surely shake things up, leaving space for the next generation of competitors: between them, Gilmore and Moore have won 13 out of the last 16 world championships since 2006.
In a historic context, their departure represents a seismic change in the sport of surfing. With their absence, the surfing community eagerly anticipates the rise of new talent and the evolution of competitive surfing.
As two of the standard-bearers of the sport step away from the board and waves, the future of competitive surfing looks both uncertain and promising. Both Gilmore and Moore have left an indelible mark on the sport, but their departure opens the door for new champions to emerge.
As fans eagerly await their return to the sport in 2025, the surfing world reflects on the impact and legacy of these iconic athletes.
