World-champ surfer Steph Gilmore shares her turbulent story with London
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Guy Martin
Huck covered the Swatch Pro in Biarritz a couple of years ago and as we were interviewing the new wave of female talent coming through a common theme emerged: Steph Gilmore. Without exception, every girl on the World Tour that year described Steph as their main inspiration. It was extraordinary.
Often credited as pushing women’s surfing forward a few lightyears, Steph Gilmore, only now twenty-six herself, has been through more in her early twenties than most have been through in their lives. World Titles, iconic campaigns, collaborations, awards, Vogue editorials and big waves are all in a day’s work for Steph, but a vicious attack in December 2010 changed things dramatically for the surf superstar.
Stephanie in the Water – a sensitive, inquisitive and moving documentary of Steph’s meteoric rise and the ensuing rollercoaster ride – zones in on this important juncture in Steph’s story. Through unprecedented access to one of this generation’s most inspiring sportspersons, Stephanie in the Water gets under the skin of a world-class competitor and analyses the toll that can take on the individual.
With that in mind, Huck is excited to announce that we will be hosting an exclusive screening of Stephanie in the Water at our gallery 71a on October 10, followed by a Q&A with Stephanie Gilmore, director Ava Warbrick and editor Isabel Freeman.
Tickets are free and available from Eventbrite.
You might like
Moshpits & kickflips at the Volcom Garden Experience 2026
Family affair — Last weekend, the skate, surf and snow culture brand hosted a free mini festival in its European backyard of Biarritz. We went along and chatted to legendary artist and surfer Ozzie Wright.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As the Cornwall & Devon coastline gentrifies, what’s left at UK surfing’s spiritual home?
Priced out – Once belonging to anyone willing to be cold and thrown around underwater, the sport is becoming increasingly inaccessible, as second homes and commodification reshape England’s southwestern shores.
Written by: Noah Petersons
A portrait of the UK’s oldest boxing club
Learning the Ropes — A new documentary by Ryan Pickard chronicles the hard-edged history of Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, while asking poignant questions about the present and future of the sport in the UK.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
How one of the world’s best big wave photographers & filmmakers gets the perfect shot
Staring down the barrel — Sachi Cunningham has built an immersive body of work documenting huge barrels by getting closer to the action than most. Josh Jones speaks to her about her process, finding order within chaos, and the importance of feeling awe.
Written by: Josh Jones
New film spotlights London’s Bubble Club, the party by people with learning disabilities
Radically inclusive clubbing — Produced by Muddled Marauders and currently fundraising for completion, the feature documentary focuses on the inclusive night, which has been in operation since 2005.
Written by: Roxana Diba
Jack Johnson’s third act
SURFILMUSIC — Three decades on from his trajectory-altering crash at Pipeline and subsequent music career, the singer-songwriter looks back at his life and work in a new, expansive film.
Written by: D’Arcy Doran
