Australian · Sydney, Australia · Born 4 October 2003Australian professional surfer who became the youngest surfer to qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour at age 17 in 2021.
Born on October 4, 2003, in Avalon Beach, New South Wales, this dynamic Australian surfer grew up immersed in the competitive surfing culture of Sydney's Northern Beaches. From an early age, she demonstrated remarkable aptitude for the sport, quickly progressing through junior competitions while developing the powerful, aggressive style that would become her trademark. Picklum's ascent through professional surfing ranks proved meteoric. She established herself as a formidable competitor on the World Surf League's Qualifying Series, where her fearless approach to challenging conditions set her apart from her peers. Her breakthrough came with qualification for the Championship Tour, surfing's premier competition circuit, where she consistently delivered standout performances against the world's elite female surfers. Her ability to excel in heavy, demanding waves earned particular recognition from surfing commentators and fellow competitors. The young Australian's competitive achievements include multiple victories on both the Qualifying Series and Championship Tour levels. Her surfing is characterized by explosive maneuvers, tactical wave selection, and an aggressive approach that allows her to maximize scoring potential in varied conditions. She has consistently ranked among the world's top female surfers, establishing herself as a legitimate title contender while still in her early twenties. Picklum represents a new generation of Australian female surfers who combine technical precision with power surfing traditionally associated with male competitors. Her impact extends beyond competitive results, as she has helped elevate the performance standards in women's professional surfing through her commitment to progressive maneuvers and her willingness to tackle challenging surf conditions. Her influence on younger Australian surfers and her role in advancing women's surfing globally have cemented her position as one of the sport's most significant emerging talents, with expectations that her career will continue producing groundbreaking achievements. Picklum was crowned 2025 WSL world champion at Cloudbreak, Fiji, in September 2025, coming from a match down against 2023 champion Caroline Marks to win the title decider with the highest single-wave score and two-wave total of the entire event. At 22, having worn the yellow leader's jersey for most of the season with wins in Rio and at Teahupo'o, she became the first Australian women's world champion since Stephanie Gilmore in 2022.
Becoming the youngest surfer to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour at age 17
How They Played
Progressive aerial surfing with powerful rail work and innovative maneuvers
Career Honours
- WSL Championship Tour Rookie of the Year 2023
- WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Surf Ranch Pro 2023
- WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Margaret River Pro 2024
- WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro 2024
- WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Surf Ranch Pro 2024
- WSL Championship Tour Rankings Top 5 Finish 2023
- WSL Challenger Series Champion 2022
- Australian Surfing Awards Female Surfer of the Year 2023
- WSL World Champion (2025)
Australian Athletes