The Gilmore masterclass

A real champion makes their chosen discipline look easy, and seven-time world surfing champion, Steph Gilmore is no exception. Taking time out from her frenetic World Surfing League schedule, Gilmore spent some time with a group of Audi guests at iconic Bondi Beach for a morning of surfing tuition followed by a relaxing brunch.

For the 20 Audi gusts it was a dream come true, the chance to meet and surf with a surfing icon who has already equalled Layne Beachley’s record seven world surfing titles, and is set to eclipse that mark in the coming years to write another chapter in world surfing.

For Gilmore, it was a chance to meet some of her fans in a relaxed atmosphere and to share some of her vast experience in the water as well as sharing some insights on the world tour once back at the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club.

With varying degrees of surfing experience, the participants all took something away from the morning, but for all, just the chance to be in the water and surfing with Gilmore was an experience they will not soon forget.

And that is the very point of this and other Audi experiences like it, aimed at giving Audi guests the opportunity to take part in exclusive experiences with the elite group of Audi ambassadors.

Bondi turned it on for the morning, with picture perfect weather and a decent swell to give those with experience a good ride, while allowing those just starting their surfing journey to make the most of their expert tutor. 

For Gilmore, who joined Audi as a global ambassador in 2019, the morning was a chance to share her tremendous experience and a reminder of when she too was just starting out in the sport she now dominates. 

“Being able to share my knowledge is one of the best things about being in my position. I'm so lucky to have had access to elite surfers when I was younger to ask many questions and take it all in. Surfing is one of those sports that time spent in the water will always be the main teacher, but helping guide that process is really quite satisfying,” she says.  

“It reminds me a lot of the small things my father shared with me, little pieces of crucial knowledge that he learnt from many, many years doing it. And once you know, you'll never forget and it will make the process much easier. Something as simple as how to best wax a board. Or holding your leg rope in hand as you walk to the water's edge, instead of letting it drag behind you and potentially trip. I see a lot of beginners doing this and it's such an easy and important fix,” she says.

“I love seeing when it 'clicks', that moment when the joy and fun sets in. The pure happiness when they stand up and take a wave all the way to the beach. And seeing someone reach that feeling of being comfortable in the ocean, paddling out in the line up on their own and enjoying all the things that make up surfing. You know they're hooked at that point and it's something they'll hopefully feel connected to for life.”

After mixing it up in the surf, it was back to the clubhouse for some breakfast and a very relaxed debrief and photos with the group. A morning that will live long in the memory of all those who attended and perhaps just the inspiration that was required to launch a future Australian surfing great on their own journey to the top.

To learn more about the Audi Experiences and coming events, register at myaudi.com.au