BEST OF BEST FEMALES
NEW WAVE OF TALENT Next surfing generation set to keep Gilmore on her toes
STEPHANIE Gilmore remains our surfing queen but a new breed of female Gold Coast and Tweed talent is rising fast.
So forecasts long-time surfing identity Andrew McKinnon, who predictably nominates seven-time world champion Gilmore at No.1 on his top 10 power rankings of the region’s best women’s surfers.
But McKinnon is excited by the potential of the next generation.
1. STEPHANIE GILMORE
Gilmore is an obvious choice and would be a unanimous No.1. The seven-time world champion and Queen of Kingscliff is heading for a historic eighth title. All power to the Snapper Princess.
2. ZAHLI KELLY
Young gun who has been steadily chipping away with a super successful junior career and already shaking the open lineup. The highly intelligent Tweed Coaster could be a scientist on the way to be a future world champion.
3. FREYA PRUMM
From Varsity, Prumm is charging on the WQS and already scoring a quarter-final at Maroubra. University-educated, she is a multi-talented surfer with a bright future.
4. KOBIE ENRIGHT
Absolutely tore into the first six months of the WQS last year with a number of wins but couldn’t get on the board in the higher rating events. Enright is a determined competitor on the verge of making it big.
5. ALYSSA LOCK
Had an outstanding career in the Pro Juniors and is showing much potential in the open ranks. Lock has a gifted backhand attack, raised on Gold Coast’s point breaks, and is capable of big things.
6. PACHA LUQUE-LIGHT
Surprised a lot of people last year with a serious tilt on the women’s WQS as a junior. Will not be depending on her model career despite having looks that kill but has a deadly competitive side. The Ecuadorean-born Snapper member won the 2019 Burleigh Single Fin women’s final and a finalist in the Hydralyte Pro Junior.
7. ELLIE J BROOKS
Motived competitor who is also a soughtafter model. Brooks balanced both careers while studying uni management yet finds time to follow the WQS.
8. PIPER HARRISON
Harrison came charging out of the blocks in 2017, winning nationals and representing Australia in the worlds. Stacks of potential and is a WQS aspirant.
9. SHAYE LEEUWENDAL
Leeuwendal is another fast-improving talent from Snapper. A final-year high school student, she is itching to follow Light and Brooks on a world mission.
10. QUINCY SYMONDS/ JALAAN SLABB
Dead-heat for Tweed Coast junior girls Quincy Symonds and Fingal’s indigenous champion Jalaan Slabb. Both have huge futures and are only just scratching the surface.