We love nothing more than celebrating the success of people in our community. Which is why we’re stoked that Central Coast surfing superstar Molly Picklum has given us the ultimate reason to do just that! The 22-year-old local claimed the title of 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s Champion in September, cementing her place among the best surfers in the world.
“It’s such a trip to be a Central Coast kid, growing up looking up to Steph, Layne, Sally, and Tyler and all of those girls, and to now be on a list with them, I just feel so honoured and grateful,” said Molly.
“And to have the whole Central Coast behind me… is so, so special.”
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Her 2025 Championship Tour campaign was nothing short of dominant. From the first event to the finals, she was unstoppable, finishing the season as the world’s top-ranked surfer and making history as the first Central Coast local ever to win a world title.
She sealed the deal at the WSL Finals in Fiji, taking out the title in pumping waves at the world-famous Cloudbreak reef.
“I cannot believe I’m a World Champion. Oh my god!” Molly said after the win. “I didn’t make it easy for myself. I was pretty excited and made it hard, but I locked in and did what I’ve done all year.”
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Molly Picklum, Central Coast’s own surfing icon
Molly Picklum grew up on the beaches of the NSW Central Coast. Surfing’s in her bones – she first stood up on a surfboard at age 3, and the long-term member of the North Shelly Boardriders is a massive inspo for local groms.
“And as a kid you dream big, but sometimes it can be even better.”
Her former long-term coach, local surfing legend Glenn “Micro” Hall from Micro Surf Academy, is also a local surf legend. In their time together, he helped to guide her from her early days on the Coast to where she is today, reminding everyone of the strength of our hometown surf culture.
Molly’s rise through the ranks has been legendary. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager in 2018, she won back-to-back Australian championships, was named Female Rising Star at the 2020 Australian Surfing Awards, and competed at senior level in the 2020 World Surf League Qualifying Series.
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In 2022, Molly secured her spot on the 2023 Championship Tour through the Challenger Series, finishing in the top five after a string of standout performances – including massive wins at the Ballito Pro in South Africa.
At the time, she told us:
“I’ve worked hard for this moment and feel proud to be back at the top level. There’s so much talent in women’s surfing right now and I can’t wait to challenge myself against the best in the world.”
She went on to claim her maiden Championship Tour victory at the 2023 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach in Hawaii, then successfully defended her title in 2024, proving her first win was no fluke.
And in between all that, she also represented Australia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, competing on surfing’s biggest global stage and showing the world exactly what Coastie grit looks like.
From her first sessions at Shelly Beach to becoming a World Champion, Molly Picklum continues to make the Central Coast proud. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
“It’s such a trip, like it’s something that you can never take from me, ever.”
Molly’s sponsors include: Red Bull, Rip Curl, DHD, Smith Optics and Industree Group.
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Congratulation!