Australia’s Gold Coast is known for producing some super talented surfers over the years and golden girl Stephanie Gilmore is working hard at carving her own place in its surfing history.

Gilmore, 21, has been on the scene since her wild card debut at 17 years old where she took out the Roxy Pro Gold Coast.  Since then she’s racked up multiple wins including the 2007 and 2008 Women’s World Title where she sealed the deal with five ASP tour victories topped with a Van’s Tripple Crown trophy in December.

This year she’s already reclaimed the Roxy Pro Gold Coast in March and finished runner-up at the Rip Curl Pro in April.

Some are saying, “she’s earning the reputation of one of the best female surfers to step foot on a board.”  But, with a talent pool of younger and younger girls launching their assault on the ASP Women’s World Tour this year it’s no wonder back-to-back Title champ Stephanie Gilmore is looking over her shoulder.  She’s definitely not the rookie anymore!

Growing up Gilmore was into all kinds of sports before realizing her dream of being a pro surfer.  Now, she is one of the worlds best and with the retirement of fellow Aussie and seven-time ASP Women’s World Tour legend Layne Beachley the door is open again. She might have some big shoes to fill, yet seems well on her way!

ExplorerGirls.com checked in with Stephanie to find out what’s going through her head.

EXP/G: Once you’ve won a semi-final heat and staring at a final what is going through your head? Any key preparations?
SG:  I get nerves and butterflies in my stomach just like everyone else, because it’s all part of the performing experience! For me, its all about channeling them into a form of energy for an advantage over my opponent.

EXP/G:  How does competitive surfing for women feel these days? Are you seeing major changes in the industry?
SG:  It’s an insane feeling to be a part of this new movement that’s happening in women’s surfing right now. Everything has happened so quickly though and that includes me going from being a young frothing grommet to one of the girls leading the charge in this next generation of incredibility talented athletes.

I definitely feel like I’ve been on tour for many more years than i actually have, and these girls are pushing me to work harder, surf better and be a great role model.

Season 2009 is going to be a great one for the ASP Women's World Tour, because the new crop of rookies that have come on Tour are going to help raise the bar again. Hopefully this will reflect in increased sponsorship and exposure in the years to come.

EXP/G:  A large billboard with your photo sticken’ it through a barrel hangs out the front of Rip Curl’s home store in Torquay.  Did you think this was all possible when you first started surfing?

SG:  I don't think I really thought about it. When I was a kid I played all kinds of team sports like soccer, hockey, athletics, and dancing. Before I ever imagined being a pro surfer, I wanted to be an Olympian in athletics, but then when I watched Lisa Anderson and the top guys winning world titles in surfing, that’s all I wanted to do.

EXP/G:  Who’s your most fierce competitor in the water?
SG:  All of the girls all very competitive so it makes it tough to pick just one!

EXP/G:  If you could add a stop to the ASP Women’s World Championship tour…where would it be?
SG:  Indonesia

EXP/G:  Where is your favorite destination to surf when not on tour?
SG:  Indonesia

EXP/G:  What would you never leave behind when headed on a surf trip (besides a board and bathers)?
SG:  Guitar

EXPG:  Do you feel fear; facing big waves or while out in the water?  If so, how do you handle it?

SG:  I have never been afraid of the ocean, although I still get scared of giant waves. This is something I want to work on, although I don't think I'll be the surfer to be the first to ride a 100ft wave, etc.

EXP/G:  What’s your favourite board to ride? Size?
SG:  Probably my usual short board (5'11) or some kinda of fun fish

EXP/G:  Which is a perfect day of surfing for you?
a) Glassy consecutive sets at Bells on an autumn day
b) Pulling tubes at the Goldie with minimal attire
c) Double overhead at Pipe, adrenaline pumping!
d) All of the above
SG:  Definitely B, but I'd take some nice Bells waves from Easter!

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Courtney Crow

All Photos: CourtneyCrowPhoto