Isabella Nichols opens up about secret weapon powering her towards Gold Coast Pro win on World Surf League tour

The Gold Coast Pro’s shift to Burleigh Heads has provided Isabella Nichols with a secret weapon and fueled her belief she can win a second straight world tour surfing event. Find out what it is here

Surfer Isabella Nichols will compete at the Gold Coast Pro. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The Gold Coast Pro’s shift to Burleigh Heads has provided Isabella Nichols with a secret weapon and fueled her belief she can win a second straight world tour event.

Nichols brought on Burleigh Boardriders member and former professional surfer Jay ‘Bottle’ Thompson as a full time coach for the 2025 World Surf League Championship Tour and it has not only pushed her to career-best results but put her in the box seat to win the Gold Coast Pro.

Nichols is based on the Gold Coast and will use the inside knowledge to gain an advantage over her rivals who have rarely competed at Burleigh Heads because the event is traditionally held at Snapper Rocks.

“When I heard the news that Burleigh was going to be replacing it I was actually really stoked because my coach Jay is actually from here. It’s almost more of an advantage,” Nichols said.

Isabella Nichols won the Rip Curl Bells Beach event last week. Picture: Cait Miers/World Surf League.

Nichols is currently ranked fourth in the world following a blistering start to her campaign that included winning the Rip Curl Bells Beach last weekend.

She linked up with Thompson for her final two events last year before going full time this year and Nichols credits their partnership for her success so far.

“The thing I lacked was consistency and for him to come on board has brought the consistency I have missed,” Nichols said.

“It’s filled a gap that I didn’t know I needed. A lot of the time I’m unsure of my board choice.

“He is the one who sees me on my boards the most. He says what board he thinks what board will suit the conditions rather than me questioning myself. He knows and is trusting of his decision as well.

Isabella Nichols competing at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Picture: Cait Miers/World Surf League.

“Not only that but also with heat tactics, where to sit. He is down at the beach from the morning until the afternoon watching.

“I don’t have to personally put in 10 hour days at the beach to figure out the lineup. He is there as a sounding board. Ultimately the surfer makes the decision but the coach agrees or disagrees. He brings clarity and brings a level of comfortability.”

Nichols questioned if she had what it took to compete with the best in the world after missing the mid-season cut three years running but she now has renewed belief she can challenge for a world title.

“I think anyone on their day can do it. The hard part is getting to the top five,” Nichols said.

“That requires consistency which is the hardest part of our sport because the ocean isn’t consistent. “I’m confident that anyone can win on the day. It’s my dream still. I’m trying not to get too ahead of myself.

“I want to make top five next and hopefully the cut is not a problem anymore. I haven’t been told yes or not but hoping that is the case. Then hopefully that frees me up a bit for the end of the year just to put on some good performances.”

Originally published as Isabella Nichols opens up about secret weapon powering her towards Gold Coast Pro win on World Surf League tour