Pro Surfer Stephanie Gilmore on Bathing Suits and Beauty Must-Haves
World champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore is Quiksilver's newest brand ambassador, and as part of her official duties, she got the chance to tackle a project that's close to her heart: The Australian native created a three-part video series called Water Dancer, in which she meets with three of New York City's premier dancers to learn what drives their passion for ballet, break dancing, and choreography; and she also explores how dancing relates to her own love of surfing.
1/7The world champion athlete—and Quiksilver's newest brand ambassador—talks about her life as a pro surfer.
Stephanie learns a few break dancing moves from Casandra Rivera in the Water Dancer series. Photo Courtesy of Quiksilver.2/7What does it mean to be a Quiksilver ambassador?
It means being in a world filled with inspiration, travel, cool projects, and having the freedom to ride waves however I like, all while wearing supercute Quiksilver outfits and bikinis!
How did you come up with the idea for the Water Dancer series?
Quiksilver and I created this concept to shed light on how beautiful female surfing is! I once read that surfing a wave can be described as a dance performance: 'The wave is your stage, and the sun is a spotlight.' I like to think surfing and dancing have similar qualities, like power, grace, improvisation, rhythm, and most of all, performance. When I'm competing, the majority of my drive comes from the performance. When I'm surfing I want to be powerful, but perform with style and grace too, similar to a dancer. That's where the idea came from.
Stephanie asks ballet dancer Tiler Peck to teach her how to do pirouet in her Water Dancer video. Photo Courtesy of Quiksilver.3/7In the videos you talk about keeping a feminine energy with you on the waves. How exactly do you do that?
It's really a matter of 'feeling' the water, the board, the sun, and being consumed by it. Enjoying it.
What goes through your head when you're riding a wave?
When you're up and riding, it's mostly instinct and feeling. It's a mix of present thought, natural movement, and what is already embedded in your subconscious.
Gilmore rides a wave in her Quiksilver gear. Photo Courtesy of Quiksilver.4/7What are some of your other hobbies?
When I'm at home, I love puttering around my house and playing my guitars, reading books and magazines, playing table tennis or Dance Central on ox, and drinking coffee! If I'm away on a trip, I always try to go into the city and really check out the authentic local scene of that particular place. The beach can get kind of boring sometimes so it's good to keep things interesting.
You were only seventeen when you won your first championship. What advice do you have for young girls pursuing a similar dream?
Never underestimate yourself, trust yourself and your intuition, and enjoy the journey. Know that your own determination is your most powerful tool. If you're passionate about something, then success is merely the icing on the cake.
Stephanie's favorite Quiksilver swimsuit from the Spring 2012 collection. Photo Courtesy of Quiksilver.5/7Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit? If so, how did you get through that time?
I've never reached that point, but there are definitely hurdles and challenges that you go through. They seem so hard at the time, but in the end they make you appreciate the journey and successes so much more.
What's your favorite bathing suit from Quiksilver's Spring 2012 collection?
I LOVE the Tiki Tile Bandeau Bikini. I may have to get two pairs for the summer!
Choreographer Noemie Lafrance teaches Stephanie the steps of her latest dance in the Water Dancer Series. Photo Courtesy of Quiksilver.6/7Do you have any sort of pre-surfing ritual to get yourself ready for the waves?
There's no set ritual, but during an event I like to surf before the event starts to shake the nerves. I'll also drink water, watch the heats before mine from the competitors area, listen to music, and check out the scene at the beach.
Do you have a favorite pump-up song to get yourself ready for a competition?
I love all kinds of music and it depends on what the waves are like, but maybe some (Jay Z/Kanye), Radiohead, Bjork, Tame Impala or Jimi Hendrix. "Horse Leper" by The Non is a favorite song of mine at the moment.
Stephanie's favorite moisturizer to use after a day on the water. Photo Courtesy of Quiksilver.7/7What are some of your beauty must-haves?
Kiehl's Creme de Corps moisturizer is so nice for the body. Moroccan Oil is great for the hair post-surf—it gives the perfect, natural beach-hair look. And Colgate Whitening Toothpaste, just 'cause.
