The world of professional surfing was dealt a double blow today as reigning champions Stephanie Gilmore and John John Florence both announced they will sit out the 2025 World Surf League Championship Tour season.
Australian icon Gilmore, an eight-time world title holder, revealed she will extend her break from full-time competition into a second year to focus on recovering from lingering injuries. Meanwhile, men’s defending champ Florence also confirmed he is stepping away from the tour to pursue new projects and “push his surfing as far as possible.”
Gilmore Prioritizes Healing, Targets 2026 Return
Gilmore, 36, was widely expected to make her highly-anticipated return to the WSL Tour at next week’s Pipeline Pro in Hawaii after being granted a season wildcard. But in a shock announcement, the legendary goofy-footer revealed she will instead spend 2025 recuperating and surfing lesser-known breaks around the globe.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to take another season away from the WSL Tour. This time will allow me to focus on healing from some lingering injuries and redirect my energy toward continuing my adventures of surfing around the globe.”
– Stephanie Gilmore
The WSL has granted Gilmore another wildcard for the 2026 CT season, paving the way for a potential record-extending ninth world title campaign. Her spot on this year’s tour has been awarded to Brazil’s Luana Silva.
Florence Seeks New Adventures, Vows 2026 Title Tilt
On the men’s side, surfing phenom John John Florence sent shockwaves through the sport by opting out of defending his world crown in 2025. The 32-year-old Hawaiian, who has battled injuries in recent years, said he will dedicate the next 12 months to filming projects and exploring new waves.
“I’ll be focusing on surfing in a different way this year. I am looking to explore, find new waves, and push my surfing as far as possible. I’ll be filming into some new projects and sharing my adventures along the way – and intend to compete for another world title in 2026.”
– John John Florence
Florence’s absence, coupled with the withdrawal of three-time world champ Gabriel Medina due to a pectoral injury, has thrown the men’s title race wide open in 2025. Rising stars like John Florence Jr and Mexico’s Alan Cleland Jr, the first Mexican to qualify for the CT, will be licking their lips at the opportunity.
Kelly Slater & Moana Jones Wong Earn Pipeline Wildcards
With Gilmore and Florence out, the WSL has awarded coveted event wildcards for the season-opening Pipeline Pro. Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater, 52, will chase a record ninth CT victory at his pet event, while local hero Moana Jones Wong returns to defend the women’s Pipeline crown she captured in thrilling fashion last year.
- Other Aussies to watch in 2025: Jack Robinson, Ethan Ewing, Molly Picklum, Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, Isabella Nichols
The shock withdrawals of Gilmore and Florence have sent tremors through the surfing world and completely shaken up the championship picture for 2025. As the sport’s biggest stars sit on the sidelines, a new generation of hungry challengers is poised to step up and stake their claim. With the Pipeline Pro just days away, surf fans are bracing for one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in years.
