Gold Coast girl Stephanie Gilmore stormed onto the women's professional surfing scene in 2005, winning the Roxy Pro Gold Coast as a wildcard (at the age of 17) and announcing her presence as a major player within the surfing world. Since then, Gilmore has backed up the hype, clinching her inaugural ASP Women's World Title in her rookie season (2007) and heralding in a new generation for on the ASP Women's World Tour. In 2008, the girl known as 'Happy' for her infectious smile, was back again, looking hungrier and stronger than ever, eager to emulate her past success. She went on to secure five ASP Women's World Tour victories en route to her second consecutive ASP Women's World Title, the capped the season off with a Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown Title.

With the retirement of Layne Beachley in 2008, and Gilmore's penchant for ripping everything from two-to-twenty feet, the young natural-footer is poised to fill the void left by the Australian Legend whilst forging out her own reputation as one of the greatest to ever step foot on a surfboard. Gilmore's advanced style, combined with her domination of international lineups and competitive fire makes Stephanie one of the most talked about surfers in the world and 2009 could very well be another pillar in the building of this surfing powerhouse dynasty.