Breaking: 8X World Champ Stephanie Gilmore Announces 2024 Break From Championship Tour

More big news in women's surfing.

Australian eight-time world champ Stephanie Gilmore just announced that she'll take a break from the championship tour for the 2024 season.

She plans to return next year.

Gilmore posted the clip above minutes ago and captioned it:

"I am planning to take this tour season off as a refresh for myself physically, mentally, and to enjoy following swells and free surfing in new places.

"I have some projects and trips I want to do, which haven’t been possible while traveling for the tour season.

"I am still passionate and dedicated to competing, and I have goals and dreams that I am still chasing - I’m excited for something fresh this year and I look forward to returning to competition in 2025."

Five-time world champ Carissa Moore commented: "Let’s go ??"

Current women's world champ wrote: "?? will miss you Gilmore"

Big wave surfer Paige Alms said: "Maybe a dabble in big waves?!!"

The news follows other recent and monumental moves in women's pro surfing.

On Friday, five-time world champ Carissa Moore announced her retirement from competitive surfing. Weeks before that, Hawaii longboard champ Kelia Moniz ended a 17-year ride as a Roxy Girl after her "best" ever contract was terminated, and she was asked to re-sign—with a 90% pay cut.

Just days ago, Lisa Andersen, the ultimate women's surfing icon, legendary Roxy Girl, four-time world champ, and all-around badass surfer who paved the way for women's surfing—was let go by Roxy after 30 years.

More to come.

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