Australia’s seven-time champ says bring on treacherous Teahupo’o, writes CALLUM DICK

STEPH Gilmore has waited her entire career to surf the treacherous Teahupo’o break, as the seven-time world champion eyes an Australian three-peat 16 years in the making.

Not since 2006 has the End of the Road featured on the women’s tour and never in Gilmore’s storied career, having burst on to the

scene by winning the world title in her 2007 rookie season.

West Australian Melanie Redman-carr was the last woman to win at Teahupo’o in 2006, when she took the crown from fellow Aussie and reigning world champion Chelsea Hedges (nee Georgeson).

Now Gilmore gets a chance to continue the proud Aussie tradition of winning in Tahiti.

It’s a feat that would also shore up her place in the WSL top five and project her towards a record-breaking eighth world title.

The 34-year-old still remembers watching Georgeson’s win in 2005, which acted as a springboard to her eventual world title - and Gilmore has plans to follow the same path.

“My favourite surfer at the time was Chelsea Georgeson, who won it in 2005 … and Mel Redman-carr (then won in 2006). The Aussies were actually really good (at Teahupo’o),” Gilmore told News Corp this week.

“Tahiti is obviously a very special place, and I think it’s important for the progression of the sport that the women get the opportunity to surf in all types of waves - even the most intimidating of places.

“That’s what surfing is about. It’s about showcasing your abilities in all types of waves. For us to surf waves like at Jeffreys Bay, and then fly over here to Tahiti and surf something completely different … you have to be able to adapt and change your mindset.

“And it’s that challenge and progress you want to see in the sport for the tour to grow.

“It’s our first time back here for the women in 16 years, so I’m not sure what we’ll get from this first event. But I know us girls are here to work together and support each other.”

Teahupo’o is one of the most powerful and deadly waves in the world, and even someone of Gilmore’s calibre admits the prospect of surfing the infamous break is “intimidating”.

“This wave here, it’s every part of my weaknesses in my repertoire - it all happens here at Teahupo’o. (But) the best part about this sport is being thrust into these situations that make you feel uncomfortable,” Gilmore said.

“I’ve been here for 2½ weeks already. I came pretty much straight after J-bay.

“I came here early to make some ground and learn about the wave from locals, just sitting in the line-up with them and watching what waves the boys are taking off on.

“You have to be ready for everything and you can’t get too relaxed - you can’t count out that you’ll probably leave some skin on the reef.

“It’s really about commitment. If you’re committed to going for waves, you have to go - hesitation will be the biggest enemy out there.”

Gilmore sits 2600 points inside the final five cut-off after taking third at J-bay.

She is relishing the prospect of digging deep into her surfing arsenal to produce a performance that will keep her in the world title fight.

“I didn’t get the result I wanted (at J-bay) to solidify my spot in the top five, so I’ve left myself (the task of) coming here to put on a performance that will keep me in the top five,” she said.

“For me at this stage of my career, getting these new challenges - and it’s completely intimidating - these are the moments in your career you really remember.

“The mid-year cut was the same thing. I remember thinking to myself, ‘ Am I even going to make the cut here?’ I’d never been in that position before.

“It’s weird because it also feels like the pressure is off now. Leading into the final five, you just have to go all in and make it happen.

“I’ve been on tour for 15 years, and it’s nice to feel rejuvenated and excited about these new challenges.”

The Tahiti Pro event window opened on Friday morning. However, minimal surf is expected in the first four days, with larger swells forecast to arrive early next week.