Meet Stephanie Gilmore

I was born in January 1988 in a small town in New South Wales. I think Aquarians are the best sort.

My parents are very laid back. They enjoy life and tend to be satisfied with situations. This has rubbed off on me and helps me to always see the bright side of life.

I’ve always loved the ocean. Its beauty and the way it’s always changing captivates me... also, it’s such a refreshing place to be.

The best feeling in the world is riding through a glassy, barreling wave in a bikini with a bunch of friends out in the water with you.

The first time I went surfing I fell in love. I remember following my dad and sisters around in the lineup and standing up on my boogie board.

If there’s one thing I hate it’s packing and rushing to wait at the airport.

The first time I competed professionally all I wanted to do was impress the people on the beach. I still do.

When I won the world title for the first time I felt so light and happy! It happened very quickly; I was already going for a second title before lapping up the first.

My favourite surfing locations include a few spots in West Sumatra, Mexico and, of course, my home break at Rainbow Bay (Queensland).

People describe me as happy, but I’d like to show them there’s more to me than that.

What people don’t know about me is that I travel with a Hasselblad 501c and shoot mainly portraits of the fascinating people I meet around the world.

When I’m not surfing I love travelling like a gypsy, playing music and meeting people from many different walks of life.

My motto in life is cultivate the imagination; never underestimate yourself; and smile a lot. “This world is full of enchantment for those with the eyes to see it.” That’s a line from The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus and I love it.

If there’s one thing I know it’s that rock’n’roll from the ’70s is better than the music these days.

My greatest wish is health and musical talent for all humans – and a wave pool in my backyard.