Embarking on a journey that began at the tender age of 14, local surfing sensation Amy Gore has become a formidable force in the world of wave-riding, clinching numerous championships along the way.

Growing up against the breathtaking backdrop of the Fleurieu coastline in Port Noarlunga South, Amy's connection to the ocean has been an intrinsic part of her life since her earliest memories. With the sea practically at her doorstep, the beach became her sanctuary, and she, along with her twin sister, immersed themselves in the waves for countless hours each day. The duo would return home covered in sand, soaked, and brimming with the taste of salt, only to gather at the dinner table in their swimsuits before eagerly repeating the routine the following day. In this feature story, we delve into the world of our local surf prodigy, uncovering the trials, triumphs, and the indelible bond she shares with the majestic sea.

You have made a name for yourself in the surfing world. What got you hooked?

It sounds a bit cliché, but I always used to say growing up that “I was born to surf”, and so in a lot of ways I feel like surfing chose me. Learning to surf all happened very naturally, being at the beach almost every day, my twin sister and I would often boogie board and soon we started to try and stand on our boogie boards… which we got pretty good at. One thing led to the next and Mum and Dad decided on a perfect birthday/Christmas gift and soon we got given our own foam surfboard. From then onwards, the boogie boards just about got ditched and we took out our new surfboards all the time. The moment I caught my first wave on that surfboard, I knew I wanted to do this forever and have never looked back.

Who's your inspiration?

A huge inspiration for me in my surfing journey has been Bethany Hamilton, I was so inspired by her positive attitude and faith that nothing was impossible. She has inspired me - I can do anything, nothing is impossible in faith and to dream big. I think I had every single one of her books, documentaries, pictures. I loved her and was just so inspired by her story and still am.

Describe a great day out in the surf.  

Sometimes it only takes one wave to have a great day in the surf. I think that’s why I love it so much. You can be having a flat or down day, and one wave just changes everything, it brings pure happiness and a smile to my face every time. But I’d have to say the ultimate surf would be on a perfect reef break in warm tropical water with only my friends out with me… surfing until I can’t move, rashes that sting more than jellyfish and sun kissed skin… that sounds pretty good and has got to be one of the best feelings in the world!! 

Favourite place you have surfed in the world and why.

I’ve been lucky to have surfed some amazing places, from surfing pipeline in Hawaii to long left-hand waves in Uluwatu Indonesia, I don’t know if I could decide on just one favourite. Although, nothing is quite like surfing at home and knowing a break so well you can paddle out every single time and know the exact spot to sit on that break to get the best waves each time. Seaford reef when its good it's probably one of my all-time faves to surf here at home. The waves on the east coast of Australia have got to hold some of my other favourite waves.

Has surfing always been your sport of choice? 

Surfing has always had my heart. There’s nothing else like it. I have however dabbled in a bit of footy playing SANFLW for the South Adelaide Football Club. As much as I enjoyed the game and being a dual athlete, it took a toll playing two sports at an elite level and so I have chosen to solely focus on surfing and my training for that to maximise my performance in the water.

Tell us about your most recent competition? How did you go?

My most recent event was on the Gold Coast competing in the National University Australian Championships. There was a huge range of sports and over 6000 competitors competing in respective fields of competition across the week. Each athlete had accreditation to get into the event as well as an accreditation for a coach travelling with them. I had been training for this event for a couple months and was excited to compete when the time came in late October 2023. It was a tiring week of competition and I had gotten some crazy knee rashes from surfing a new board in swimmers (which my skin wasn’t used to having been surfing in a steamer still in the cold waters of SA) and surfed until my arms were like jelly. I ended up coming away with the silver medal at the Australian titles and the highest single wave score of the final.

What is your 'day job'?  

Currently I’m studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at Tabor College. My passion for teaching I believe comes from wanting to help others achieve their best and reach their goals despite any challenges they may face. I'm hoping to finish my degree in a couple years and then start teaching alongside my surfing aspirations. I aim to share my passion to inspire others through my journey, all that I have endured along the way to professional surfing and to release my autobiography which I’m currently working on.

Amy's time out / rest day. What does this look like?

My biggest and best rest day is on a Sunday. It typically involves a sleep in and then going to church with my family. After church I would usually spend the day resting and re-setting by spending time with my family and friends, going for a beach walk in summer with my dog or watching a movie with some good movie snacking on a cold winters’ day.

What's your future aspirations?

I hope to take my surfing to the highest level possible and use the platform as a professional surfer to inspire and encourage others to chase their dreams and never give up even when life throws some unexpected challenges along the way.

Unfortunately, surfing is an expensive sport though, so as much as I dream of all the possibility for what the future could hold, a lot of it is dependable on sponsor and financial support in helping make it possible to compete. All in all, I'm just praying and hoping to always be able to enjoy surfing and inspiring others along the way to live with happiness and love. 

Any tips for the beginner surfer?

One of my best words of advice would be to always enjoy it, laugh when you wipe out and throw your arms in the air with happiness when you nail that perfect wave or get up for the first or first time in a long time. Surfing is meant to be a happy experience, just enjoy the entire ride. In terms of practice, sometimes I know it can be hard to get in the water… anything you can do outside of the water to build strength in the upper body for paddle power or any balance work will be a strength when you get a chance to get back in the waves.

What is it that you love about living on the Fleurieu?

I love the pure beauty of the coastline, the quiet traffic on the roads and the people who are generally relaxed, friendly, and welcoming wherever you go.

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