Following her absence from last year's world tour, Australian eight-time world surfing champion Steph Gilmore has announced she will also sit out this year's season.

Taking to Instagram, the 36-year-old explained her decision to take another season away from the WSL tour.

โ€œThe time will allow me to focus on healing some lingering injuries and redirect my energy toward continuing my adventures of surfing around the globe,โ€ said Steph.

โ€œI'm deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my sponsors and I wish all the athletes on tour the best of luck this season!โ€

Although it may seem like Gilmore's career is slowing down, she has assured fans that her time in the waves is far from over.

Gilmore has been granted the 2026 season wildcard, giving her the opportunity to pursue a record-breaking ninth world title next year.

โ€œI was like man, I wish I was there, what am I doing?โ€ she said on the Howie Games podcast while reflecting on watching last year's world tour from the sidelines.

โ€œIt was an interesting feeling, but I liked it, because I must still want to do it.โ€

โ€œBut it also made me think, โ€˜Huh, maybe I could win nine'.โ€

This isn't the only surprising withdrawal, as men's reigning champion John John Florence has also announced he will be stepping away from the tour in 2025.

โ€œI want to create the time to explore, find new waves and draw different lines,โ€ Florence said on his Instagram.

โ€œI intend to compete full on for another world title in 2026, but right now this idea of adventure and creatively pushing my surfing as far as possible is really exciting.โ€

This week's Pipeline event is now wide open, presenting an exciting opportunity for surfers, including 52-year-old legend Kelly Slater and Australian contenders Molly Picklum, Tyler Wright, Isabella Nichols and Sally Fitzgibbons.