Steph’s in for a hell of a ride
STEPHANIE Gilmore says reports of monster waves at Bells Beach today has her “terrified” but also relishing the chance to lift her surfing to a new height on possibly the biggest world tour swell she has ridden.
The seven-time world champion said the forecast of waves of up to 20 feet – whipped up by a once-in-50year storm – could bring out the best in her.
“It sounds terrifying,” Gilmore said after booking a quarter-finals spot with her defeat of wildcard and fellow Gold Coast junior Kobie Enright in four to six-foot waves yesterday.
“When I hear people talking about it I have been running and hiding. I don’t want to hear.
“It has never been a total strength of mine, the big waves, but I am a tall girl so I should have a bit of an advantage there.
“All the old salty dogs are saying it will be awesome.
“There will be adrenaline and nerves. It can all be a little overwhelming for sure but it will be exciting.
“But when you become uncomfortable, that’s when the magic happens. When you are under pressure, have your back against the wall, that’s what brings out the best in you. It should be interesting.”
WSL commissioner Kieran Perrow said the Bells bowl could host the biggest competition waves in recent memory. The huge surf is expected to peak after dark today and still be formidable tomorrow.
He said a decision would be made in the morning but it was likely the men and women would be surfing at the Rip Curl Pro.
“Tomorrow looks like it could beat anything, at least in the last 10 years, maybe longer,” Perrow said.
“The forecast is for a new significant swell double the size of today and triple the overhead by the afternoon.
“That a big-size swell. Base height will be 15-plus (feet). That’s a pretty big wave.
“Round four of the men and the quarters of the women could be in the mix.
“We want all surfers into the best waves. Performance levels for the women are incredible. They have shown they can surf big waves.”
In a disastrous day for local women, Gilmore was the only Australian to make it to the quarter-finals after the early exits of local Nikki Van Dijk and world No.3 and two-time Bells winner Sally Fitzgibbons.