Picklum inspired by Gilmore as she aims for Bells title

Molly Picklum wants what Stephanie Gilmore has - not so much the eight world titles, but the surfing icon's peace of mind.

Earlier this month, Gilmore and Rip Curl announced an eight-year, multi-million dollar sponsorship deal.

Gilmore's return to the surfwear brand comes as the Australian star enjoys a year's sabbatical away from the world tour.

It also means the 36-year-old and compatriot Picklum, 21, share the same sponsor.

Picklum is at the forefront of the new wave in the women's competition and she wants to improve on last year's runner-up result when the Rip Curl Pro starts on Tuesday at Bells Beach.

"She's the GOAT of our sport, the absolute queen of surfing," Picklum said of Gilmore on Monday.

"The thing I take most out of Steph, obviously she's really competitive and she would have some crazy knowledge in the jersey, but I just think how cool and calm she is.

"It's how genuine she is, the love of our sport, to enjoy your surfing. She's been on tour I think for 17 years and she's enjoyed every single year.

"The fact she can say that is bigger than any world title she's won - that's more what I pick her brain about and that's what inspires me the most about her."

Stephanie Gilmore.
A relaxed-looking Steph Gilmore at last year's World Surf League awards in Hawaii.

Picklum said Gilmore's bumper deal with Rip Curl is also important for the economics of the sport.

"The surf industry and the way it's looked, it's been a tricky situation for a lot of surfers, male or female," she said.

"Obviously it's none of our business, where they landed, but it's important for people to maintain their worth and stay strong."

Picklum was runner-up to fellow Australian Tyler Wright at Bells Beach last year.

The year before, she was a first-round elimination - so is it time for her to win the famed bell trophy?

"Yeah - it makes sense, doesn't it?," she said.

"Getting second, it does sting, for sure. But there's a silver lining in everything and I'm happy to be back.

"I want to hear that bell ringing above my head, for sure."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store