Ok so 2023 Molly Picklum has hit the ground running and is a completely different beast to the Molly we saw in 2022. I just want to know what clicked and what happened in the off season for you to be able to evolve into the competitor that we’re seeing today. 

“Honestly JJ so much has happened in the last couple of years, I think at the end of my 2022 CT season I was obviously gutted I didn’t make the cut but I knew the experience I gained in the jersey on my first CT season was going to give me such an advantage coming into 2023. You know I can sit here and openly say that I was scared in the 2022 season, scared of losing, scared that after all that training and hard work that there was a chance I could loose everything in the blink of 5 events. But I just kept telling myself you know you can rise as quick as you fall and I truly believed that and told myself this over and over again. So at the start of this season I just decided I don’t want to be scared anymore and that’s why you’re seeing the molly you’re seeing this season”. 

We obviously spent so many years together watching our idols surf on tour and we watched the yellow jersey bounce from icon to icon, and now you’ve tasted that feeling. What was it like to finally earn it and wear that jersey yourself, because it was pretty surreal for me to see you in the Yellow Jersey so early on in your career. 

“Yeah wow it was pretty crazy for me, I knew it was coming and I knew one day I would get it but I think once I got it I had so many people telling me everything that comes with it and all this added weight I was going to feel but honestly I was just so stoked to be there and to have it, I know it sounds cliche but I was really just trying my best to soak it all in because I knew things like this can be so short lived so I was just trying to take it all in right then and there”. 

You just mentioned things like this can be so short lived… you know it’s so hard to just get the yellow jersey and it’s even harder to stay there, you managed to hold onto it from Sunset to Bells.. What was it for you that kept the pressure down and the drive high to stay as number 1.

“I feel like the biggest thing that keeps the pressure down and the drive high is just the natural sound and energy that the yellow jersey can give you, and knowing that no doubt it can go in a split second. I just feel like it’s all a part of the jersey and I’m on one big mission to put forward my best surfing and my best heat surfing and just try my absolute best in every situation. Whether I’m in yellow or whether I’m in last whatever it is, I feel like it’s all just a big journey that is going to be a big roller coaster ride but I am here for it and I’m just going to try and keep chipping away no matter what”. 

You know as spectators we always hear about how much weight the yellow Jersey adds to competition but for watching you in the yellow jersey I thought you looked super poised and comfortable in it, did you feel any weight came with responsibility of being world number 1. 

“At the end of the day, a coloured rashie no matter what the colour is.. Isn’t going to get me a 6 or an 8, I am, so I really just took that attitude into my heats, because really it doesn’t matter whether I’m in red, white, blue or yellow it’s up to me at the end of the day to make my own way through heats”. 

“I really enjoyed the outside things that came along with being world number one, you know it was strange for me to have an introduction before my name when i met anyone new, i wasn’t “hey this is Molly Picklum” anymore I was “Hey this is world number 1 Molly Picklum” but I definitely had more roles to play as world number one, more shoes to fill, more panels to sit on but i really enjoyed it, as you know I love talking and I was having the best time and was just trying to take it all in”. 

Did you find that being world number one did bring more brand opportunity and sponsorship to your front door, you know we did see you cruising around in a baby blue Porsche down in bells.. 

“The BLUEBERRY! Yeah I loved that car and I felt pretty boujee driving that beast. This is a tricky question and I want to break it down in 2. I definitely think being world number one gave me more opportunities and you become a lot more appealing to a lot of brands for sure, like I mentioned early you have more shoes to fill and more roles to play, however, I think the jersey got me there but it will be me who keeps the opportunities there. You know, being world number one got me in front of all the right people, but it’s me, my personality and who I am that is going to keep me in front of all the right people and I have no doubt about that”. 

From my point of you, I think as a spectator as well it was really entertaining to see a new face in the yellow jersey, like we know the facts are there and the same 3 women have won the world title for the last 15 years, so seeing a fresh face on top so early on in the season created controversy and entertainment, it does leave you to ask the question is this the year the sport takes a corner? 

“You know I feel like maybe it’s not this year but I do think the sport is turning a corner, whether it’s on the CT, CS or QS, there’s entertainment wherever you look and I also felt like you know me being in the yellow jersey created so much entertainment for the sport and I knew it was there so it pretty much fired me up even more to put on better performances and to just stay there longer. But I also know that the question of “is this the end of an era” really fuels Stephs fire and I know it does the same for Tyler and Carissa so I know they’re not going anywhere anytime soon and they’re definitely not going to make it easy for us to keep our spots up there but I know that me and the girls in my generation are going to fight pretty hard to be at the top”. 

Lastly, a bit more of a personalised question, we obviously went from little groms running a muck up and down the east coast at all the grom comps, to now you as world number one and myself chasing my dreams in realms of my own.. If you could sit down with little Molly and Jesse, what would you say to them?

“Haha we really should share our stories of us running a muck at all the grom comps… but honestly JJ first of all I would just give them both the biggest hug. I would just tell them to stay who you are, and I know that sounds so cliche but you know we’re both great people and honestly we were great kids with great morals and we’ve both stayed true to them this whole time even now years later. I think being a good person is really what it’s all about and also knowing that a heat win or loss doesn’t define whether you are worthy or not, you define that. And honestly I’d tell them to just keep trying and when times make you feel like you don’t want to try anymore, dig deeper and try a little bit harder. Oh and enjoy it all. Haha that’s it”.  

And now for a quote that my mate pickles said to me that i want to pass on with all of you… 

Motion makes motion.. 

In times of feeling down and out, whether it’s not making the cut, a bad surf or even just life coming in from all angles, motion makes motion, start moving with positive intention and the rest will follow. 

keep up to date and watch Molly via the WSL in the upcoming wave pool event.

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Here is a updated leaderboard after the 5th event:

The post EPISODE 6 OF THE SHE’S ELECTRIC ABB POST SHOW first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

We have 2 special guest appearances from Ellie Harrison and Isabella Nichols so we’re set for a pretty exciting episode! With only 2 more shows remaining you don’t want to miss what happens next!

Here is a updated leaderboard after the 5th event:

The post EPISODE 5 OF THE SHE’S ELECTRIC ABB POST SHOW first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

We have some pretty exciting interviews with @chrisfriendy from @live_heats and @rosiesmart05 from @coffsharbourboardriders There’s a lot to cover in this episode, so sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Here is a updated leaderboard after the 4th event:

The post EPISODE 4 OF THE SHE’S ELECTRIC ABB POST SHOW first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

This year, the She Surf’s Film Tour will have 10 screenings across 8 different cities this October and November. With the first screening just around the corner on the 19th of this month over in Perth, we thought we’d give you a little run down into what you can expect for the film Tour coming your way. 

So let’s take a look at the great line up for the 2022 She Surf’s Film Festival: 

OTHER LAND

A short film featuring Australia’s own Vittoria Farmer and her journey through the raw and unknown landscapes of Ireland. This short film was produced by the incredible Alice Ward, who was able to create a real sense of magic through the lens.  

BELOW SURFACE

A film made by Dani Hansen showcasing Lucy Smalls’ fight to change the way the world perceives women in sport. An inspiring piece for anyone watching and definitely makes you want to help break the cycle of sexism in sport. 

FABRIC: KNOWLEDGE 

A short film that showcases the power of knowledge and human connection. Featuring some of the most inspirational women in sport Izzi Gomez, Paige Alms and Robin Van Gyn who also produced this short film, they are responsible for reminding us all that wisdom and guidance can take us anywhere in the world. 

THE PHYSICS OF NOSERIDING 

The title says it all, nose riding is one of the hardest maneuvers our sport has to offer. Namaala Slabb and Lauren Hill go into detail behind the science of surfing’s fluid dance. 

ME, NIQUE MILLER 

A behind the scenes inside look into the life of Nique Miiller. We see the lifestyle of a professional longboarder and stand up paddle surfer on the beautiful island of Oahu. Shot through the lens by the extremely talented Andrew Schoener it really is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. 

BILL’S WORLD 

Well this one we know all too well. A story of myself Jesse Starling alongside my sister Tru starling and our journey to break into the professional world surfing circuit. The extremely talented Chelsea Williams produced a fun, upbeat film where we showcase to you our biggest fan yet, Bill. 

GLIDE 

In this film we meet the beautiful and ever graceful Josie Pendergast, a 22 year old free surfer who just oozes style. In this film, we follow Josie navigate her way through Batu Karas, Indonesia as she makes the most of everything this magical place has to offer. 

BIGGER THAN ME 

Filmmaker Claire Corman produces a female coming of age film about Wrenna Delgado and the challenges of being a woman in sport. We get an inside scoop into Wrenna and her life as she takes on the huge task of big waves. 

FAMILY WOMXN 

A film about women in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka and the challenges they face of the strict cultural and religious expectations that stop them from entering public spaces and participating in sports such as surfing. An inspiring film that makes you want to help and make a difference. 

With a lineup like that you would be silly to miss one of the screenings this year! This film Tour is about bringing communities together to celebrate women and celebrate our beloved sport that is surfing! To see if a screening is coming your way check out the She Surf’s Film Tour Website via the link below. 

The post WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE 2022 SHE SURFS FILM tour… first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

Here is a updated leaderboard after the 3rd event:

The post EPISODE 3 OF THE SHE’S ELECTRIC ABB POST SHOW first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

Firstly… And we want to be really clear here… We are not judging these surfers. For whatever reasons they have to change in this way is entirely their prerogative. Whether it is personal, financial or aspirational reasons it is completely up to them to decide what is best for their career moving forward and for that we 100% support them on their journey.

We have heard stories of Countries digging back into certain athletes’ gene pools to see if they meet the birth criteria to represent their flags but, as far as wen know, that is not illegal to do. 

The latest surfer to announce a flag shift is Hawaii’s Luana Silva. Luana burst onto the CT stage this year after a dominant 2021 Challenger Series and staked her claim as a surfer to watch in the future.

As above, we support Luana and her personal reasons for the change.

However….

Hawaii has now lost 3 very strong surfers to Brazil. CT surfer Tatiana Western-Webb, Summer Machedo and now former CT surfer and current Challenger Series surfer Luana Silva.

That kind of leaves us thinking a few things.

1. Could Brazil be actively pursuing Hawaiian Surfers?
2. How does this affect the current crop of Brazillian QS, Challenger Series and Olympic surfers moving forward?
3. How do Hawaiian surfers feel losing such great locally developed talent to other countries?

We thought we would go straight to the source and find out.

Congratulations on changing to represent Brazil. For people that don’t know, how did you qualify for the change of countries?

“I was able to change countries because I have a dual citizenship, both my parents are originally from Brazil but I was born and raised in Hawaii”.

Luana silva

How was the process of the nationality change?

“It was long and a difficult process getting papers signed and approved “

Luana silva

Will you now have to compete in Brazil from a QS perspective to qualify for the challenger series?

“I think I’ll have to compete in Brazil if I were to do the QS. I think the Hawaiian region will no longer count for me anymore”. 

Luana silva

Did you reach out to Tatiana or Summer to get there advice through the process?

“Yes I reached out to Tati to see how her process was going through this. She was very supportive throughout my whole process and I’m thankful for all her guidance through all of this”. 

Luana silva

How has the support been in Hawaii?

“There hasn’t been a change of support I don’t think. Hawaii has always been so supportive of me. The country I represent doesn’t define myself as a person, I feel as if your actions define who you are. Hawaii will always be home, but I am excited for this opportunity now to be able to represent where my family is from and dive deeper into my cultural background”. 

Luana silva

It’s great to hear it straight from Luana and this definitely helps put perspective on her decision as we know it would have been a difficult one to make.

Luana is a much loved surfer on the CT, challenger series and QS and what ever she puts her mind to she generally achieves. We wish her the best competing for Brazil for many years to come.

To find out more about Luana:

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Here is the updated leaderboard after the first event

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To have achieved all this so early in her career we wanted to ask Brisa what 2022 has been like, how she is feeling and what she is doing to prepare for the WSL final 5. Here’s what the beautiful Brisa Hennessy had to say. 

Brisa, to say it has been a huge year for you is an understatement. Talk us through how this year on tour has been for you? 

“It’s honestly hard to articulate it all and to put it into words. The most rewarding, draining, heart fulfilling, stressful, lesson filled year of my whole life – to make it short haha! I think each of us came out of this year with a new perspective, a stronger heart and mind and a new appreciation for the in-between moments of this journey”. 

Brisa Hennessy

With this year having some of your career best highlights you can see that all the hard work and time you’ve been putting in has been really paying off. Talk us through what your lead up to all the events looks like? 

“No one’s journey is ever linear and I think trying to embrace being more comfortable with knowing that’s a part of it has helped me with sustainability and mental clarity. It’s always a learning process for me but to try to go into the event with truly no expectations and to keep it simple. Finding my drive and spark for each individual event”. 

Brisa Hennessy

Now let’s get into Tahiti, what a moment that was, you made it, you clinched a spot into the final 5, talk us through what that moment was like for you? 

“Leading up to that event I was pretty overwhelmed with uncertainty and the unknown but the moment I landed in Tahiti I felt at peace. I knew I had to let go of the things I can’t control and tune into what I can. It was extremely tough to come up against Lakey, one of my favoUrite surfers and favoUrite people but I knew it was going to be a battle where we would give our whole hearts and leave it all in the water. When I made that one wave I felt the whole weight of this year being lifted off my shoulders and I got to finally release every emotion that has been built up. It was extremely special, especially to have so much love and support near and far”. 

Brisa Hennessy

Lower Trestles, probably one of the funnest waves in the world, how are you feeling coming into this final event competing for your first ever world title? 

“I’m extremely excited! I competed here my whole junior career and since I was 10 so it holds such a special place in my heart. Pretty surreal coming back and reliving those moments and making new ones. I’m just honoUred to get the opportunity to compete on this stage and to be amongst my heroes. It’s definitely a pinch myself moment”. 

Brisa Hennessy

What would it mean to you to win a world title?  

“I honestly haven’t truly thought of it since I was little when it was a dream and now to possibly have the opportunity to be in contention is indescribable. As surfers it’s why we work hard and give everything everyday. I don’t think Little Brisa would believe me but I hope I can make her proud, as well as my family of love and support”. 

Brisa Hennessy

Well there you have it. The mind of a champion. Brisa is sitting at rank number 4 coming into the final event at Lower Trestles. We are backing her all the way. No Matter the outcome, she has had an amazing year and the question of “will Brisa Hennessy win a World Title?” isn’t a matter of if, it is a matter of when. Make sure you tune in to see Brisa fight for her first world title on the WSL app or website. 

To find out more about Brisa, follow her journey here:

The post Brisa Hennessy and Her Road to the Final 5 first appeared on MURMUR MAG.