Stephanie Gilmore, classic.
Have you enjoyed doing things with Vogue, ESPN, ELLE, and trendsetting outlets like that? How has that experience been? That’s a couple steps beyond the surf world.
SG: Well, yeah. Thanks to the achievements in surfing I’ve had the opportunities to go and do these photo shoots and be in and around these places with these people that I never would’ve met if I’d come in second. Probably, I mean. I’m not a model, so it’s one of those things that through surfing I’ve gotten the opportunity. And it’s insane, I love it. I think female surfing in particular has a strong advantage over men’s because of that. Female surfing is beautiful. It’s sexy. It’s powerful. It’s something that, when done correctly, with class and style, has a huge influence around the world, with both men and women and people who don’t surf as well. That’s something that my sister and I understand, and we always try to work with sponsors to push them to do some of that kind of stuff.
It’s really apparent. I can tell you’re attracted to being an ambassador of surfing in that way. And, how is that for you? You really are, in a lot of senses, the face of surfing for women. How do you carry that responsibility?
SG: I think that I’m lucky because at this time, female surfing has never looked better. I mean there’s a lot of hot topics, whether they’re good or not, they’re hot and everyone wants to talk about them, read about them, hear about them and see the surfer girls, and I couldn’t think of a better sport to represent – a better lifestyle either. Everyone loves surfing. They’re curious about it. No matter where they’re from they’re curious. If they’re going on holidays, going to the beach, surfing is hot. It’s a fashion. I feel like all the time, no matter where you’re at in the world, who you’re talking to, they’re always interested where the next surf spot is. So, yeah, it’s a good sport to be in.
Definitely. Quick question, is it Steph or Stephanie? Seems like it’s Stephanie now, but I don’t know. For some reason, I always have Steph in my head. I always think Steph Gilmore. But no longer, huh? It’s Stephanie in the Water.
SG: Well, I always think Steph, and I pretty much am Steph, to my close friends. Most people that know me will pretty much call me Steph, and I’m cool with that. I like the name Stephanie. I think I was bummed that I never really embraced the name Stephanie from a young age. I think it’s a beautiful name. My parents did a good job, but I just kind of shunned it. I was like, nah, Steph, but whatever, I think Stephanie’s good too. That’s why it’s the title of the film.
You two have any other big projects on the horizon? I realize this is just getting going essentially, but curious of future plans
AW: We don’t have any projects immediate. She’s sick of me, it’s been too long.
SG: No!
Last question. What’s the key to happiness according to Ava Warbrick and Stephanie Gilmore?
AW: The key to happiness? Umm, I think it’s pursuing your creative desires, working, processing, and making art.
SG: The key to happiness, according to me? Just get barreled. That’ll keep you pretty happy.
Editor’s Note: Stephanie in the Water is now available for pre-order at stephanieinthewater.com.
