Molly Picklum is reigning world champion, leading surfing’s next generation and as a result, a woman in incredible demand.
“But the Central Coast mongrel, that’s obviously still me too,” she laughs.
Picklum’s world title defence begins on home soil this week, as the World Surf League’s revamped tour kicks off with the iconic Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
The 23-year-old has been everywhere throughout the lead-up with TV appearances, top billing at the WSL’s awards night and her own 30-minute documentary Molly’s Way detailing her rise to the top of the surfing world.
“The Central Coast mongrel” line endures as everyone from friends and family to coaches and Kelly Slater, along with Picklum herself, map out her breakthrough world title last year.
Footage of an emotional speech to hordes of children and teenagers at her local North Shelly break is complimented by fellow local prodigy Hughie Vaughan arriving with a box of KFC – as Central Coast as life gets.
“It’s where I was born and bred, that will never change and that’s at the core of me, for sure,” Picklum says.
“That was the best part of my off-season and winning the title, being able to go home and really feel what it meant to the community I come from. It’s been really cool to play a part in that community because it’s such a big part of me.”
Picklum has helped redefine women’s surfing in the biggest, heaviest waves on the WSL tour – think Teahupo’o in Tahiti and Hawaii’s Pipeline.
The Central Coast’s pumping reef breaks have proven a fine training ground, but the WSL’s Australian events have presented their own challenges, with Picklum yet to win a Championship Tour competition on home soil.
Increased media and sponsorship obligations have left Picklum drained in previous build-ups to Bells, and intrigue was added to Tuesday’s official press conference by the absence of returning eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore despite surfing nearby earlier in the day.
Organisers were unsure if it was miscommunication or whether Gilmore wanted to avoid any further spotlight leading up to her competitive comeback.
Picklum has felt the added attention a world title brings, but as for life being markedly different since her Fijian triumph last September?
“Maybe things are a bit more relaxed, a little less stressful? I don’t know actually,” she says.
“Maybe a bit less pressure? Life just kind of goes on, not too much has changed but then so much has changed as well.
“I’ve achieved this incredible thing, but I’m still competitive and wanting to go out and surf and win … And with the changes this year, like starting the tour here at home, and Steph and (five-time world champion) Carissa [Moore] coming back, I think it elevates the tour and quality of surfing again.
“I can’t wait to see that dynamic again, the new generation and the surfers who paved the way for us, and us all going at it again.”
Dan Walsh is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
