Stephanie Gilmore - the most successful female surfer in history - will return to the World Championship Tour at age 38 next year in pursuit of a record ninth world title.

Australian surfing’s golden girl will officially end her two-year sabbatical in 2026 and compete against rivals half her age, with the WSL’s overhauled tour a significant lure in Gilmore’s return to competition.

Gilmore took what was originally a year off in 2024 after almost two decades of non-stop competitive surfing, before extending her break last season, which culminated in 22-year-old compatriot Molly Picklum winning her first world title.

Along with long-time sparring partner and five-time world champion Carissa Moore (33), who is also coming out of retirement after giving birth to her daughter Olena last ye

See Full Page