'Happy Gilmore' inspiring next wave of Coast surfers

An historic seventh world title for the golden girl of Australian surfing, Steph Gilmore, has already made a mark on local talents eager to carve out a career.

Sasha Baker at the Rip Curl GromSearch at Coolum Beach last year. Picture: John Andrews / Surfing Queenslan

AN HISTORIC seventh world title for the golden girl of Australian surfing, Steph Gilmore, has already made a mark on local talents eager to carve out a career in the waves.

Mudjimba local Sasha Baker, 17, is preparing for her final year at Coolum State High School, but was closely studying Gilmore's stellar career.

The 30-year-old has drawn level with Layne Beachley on the all-time list of female champion surfers and was inspiring the next wave.

"She's a real humble person, really nice in and out of the water,” Sasha said.

"I've always looked up to her.

"Steph winning is really inspiring.”

CHAMPION: Seven-time world surfing champion Steph Gilmore. Picture: WSL / MATT DUNBAR

Currently surfing twice a day and hitting the gym at least three times a week, Sasha was busy preparing for next year when she would be competing in the Pro Junior Series and the Women's Qualifying Series around Australia, as well as finishing school.

"It's definitely my goal to qualify,” she said.

But the level-headed teen said she was taking her surfing each year at a time, as so much had changed in the sport and she tried not to put too much pressure on herself.

"There's definitely more girls coming through,” she said.

"No heat's easy these days.

"We've got lots of good surfers coming from this area.”

TALENTED: Sasha Baker carving up. Picture: Surfing Queensland

Sasha said she spent plenty of time south of the Sunshine Coast chasing waves, particularly in Duranbah.

"I try and surf at least twice a day,” she said.

Sasha was also keeping a close eye on Coolum hero and world number two Julian Wilson, who was in the running for a breakthrough world title when the season-ending Billabong Pipe Masters starts in Hawaii in early-December.