Eight-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore on WSL Gold Coast Pro and Spiderbait cameo

Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore admits she still gets nerves competing ahead of Burleigh’s Gold Coast Pro - but it’s her rock ‘n’ roll cameo that’s really got her blood pumping.

Eight-time surfing world champion Stephanie Gilmore admits she’s nervous ahead of the World Surf League Gold Coast Pro this weekend.

But it’s more her scheduled cameo playing alongside famed Aussie band Spiderbait on stage than her performance in the water that’s jangling her nerves.

Speaking at the Gold Coast Pro launch on Friday at the Burleigh beachfront, the champion local: “Yeah so that is the next phase of my career, a struggling musician. I love playing the guitar and have for a long time.

“I played with Spiderbait a couple of times and I just love it.

“When I heard they were playing here I got the call up from Kram (drummer and singer Mark Maher) and we have a few songs under the belt already.

“I’ve practiced and it’s actually maybe more nerve-wracking than surfing in the competition so hopefully I get up there and play some good chords,” she said ahead of the scheduled 5.30pm gig on Sunday.

Gilmore, whose entry into the Gold Coast Pro marks her first tour event return since late 2023, added: “Sunday arvo, 5.30pm - I’m going to try and be a rock star.”

Eight-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore performs with Spiderbait at the Falls festival at Byron Bay. She will rejoin them on stage at the Gold Coast Pro at Burleigh. Picture Luke Sorensen, Liquify Magazine

Spiderbait in a statement on Gilmore joining the band temporarily added: “We are so stoked to be playing at the World Surf League Gold Coast Pro! We had such an awesome time in Torquay a couple of weeks back with Steph Gilmore joining us up on stage, we can’t wait to do it again! Steph is a double mega shredder!”

Gilmore’s return to competition and the Spiderbait gig are one of many highlights anticipated as the cream of world pro surfing returns to the Gold Coast for the elite Championship Tour leg.

Eight-time world champion Steph Gilmore is ready to give her all as a wildcard in the Gold Coast Pro at Burleigh this weekend, her first return to competition since 2023. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The nearby Burleigh Pavilion, in anticipation of huge crowds, has added a pop-up VIP bar area on top of the venue with some of the best views out over the water.

Former world champions and Gold Coast surfing legends Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson will also feature in a heritage heat during the event as well that’s still to be scheduled.

Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel said the city could not be prouder to have the Championship Tour return.

“Millions and millions of eyes right around the world are on this event. Millions of eyes on these world-class athletes, millions of eyes on this stunning location.

“All of you being here means investment, investment in our local small businesses, it’s local jobs being supported and it’s local hotel rooms being full.

Stephanie Gilmore on playing with Spiderbait on Sunday night at the Gold Coast Pro: “I’ve practiced and it’s actually maybe more nerve-wracking than surfing in the competition so hopefully I get up there and play some good chords.” Picture: Glenn Hampson

“It’s fantastic to have the world Championship Tour on the Gold Coast where it belongs and we look forward to seeing it here for many many many years to come.”

The men’s and women’s contests start from Saturday with a competition window of up to 10 days but it is anticipated the Burleigh Heads break will offer enough action to get it done in the first week.

Organisers shifted it from its natural home of the famed Snapper Rocks break due to lingering damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, but plan to return to Snapper next year.

Originally published as Eight-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore on WSL Gold Coast Pro and Spiderbait cameo