While You Were Sleeping | Bite Size!

From left, Nikki Van Dijk, Carissa Moore, Layne Beachley, Steph Gilmore, Laura Enever.

“Last year was one of the most valuable years of my entire life,” said Steph Gilmore today at the press conference for the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic. “I learnt that you can overcome things and comeback stronger. Last year my heart wasn’t in it 100%. I was focusing on different things. This year I’m loving being on tour, I love surfing with all the girls. We’re all pushing each other to new heights and I think women’s surfing is in a really good place.”

Steph, who’s just come off a second place and two firsts, was welcomed by Lane herself to officially kick the event off. We certainly agree with her when she says gal’s surfing is in a good place. Also there for the opening was Carissa Moore – “It’s great to be here in Sydney,” she said. “It’s a beautiful city and I love coming here. I think that coming into the season as defending ASP Women’s World Champion is definitely different than chasing after a world title. Each year is a clean slate and I’m having as much fun as always.”

Here’s hoping we see a Steph/Carissa rivalry continue to develop. Unbelievably, this is the womens tour’s biggest prize purse, at $130k, which amazes when compared to the men’s average $500k per-event.