Stephanie Gilmore extends break from World Surf League to ‘focus on healing’

• Eight-time world surfing champion to sit out second season
• Reigning WSL men's champ John John Florence also steps away

Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore has abandoned plans to return to full-time competition on the surfing world tour to focus on fully recovering from injuries. The Australian surfing great will extend her break from the World Surf League's Championship Tour into a second season, while reigning men's champion John John Florence has also stepped away from competing in 2025.

Gilmore was expected to return to professional surfing at the Pipeline Pro in Hawaii next week after being awarded a season wildcard but will now sit out this year's campaign. The WSL has granted Gilmore another wildcard for the 2026 CT season which would allow her to chase a record-extending ninth women's world crown.