Born and raised on the New South Wales Central Coast, Molly Picklum, affectionately known as “Pickles,” grew up in Shelly Beach, a breeding ground for world-class surfing talent. Molly’s meteoric rise in the surfing world began with just a few years on the Qualifying Series before she earned her spot on the Championship Tour (CT) in 2021. Although her rookie season in 2022 saw her fall short of the Mid-season Cut, she rebounded with grit and determination, requalifying that same year and cementing her place among the elite with a WSL Final 5 appearance in 2023.
Hailing from a region known for its hollow, high-performance waves, Molly thrives in intense conditions. She has showcased her skill and bravery at iconic breaks like Pipeline and Teahupo’o, where her talent truly shines. At the 2024 Lexus Pipe Pro, she finished as runner-up, making history as the first woman to score a perfect ten at Pipeline. Her fearlessness carried over to Sunset Beach, where she clinched victory with a jaw-dropping critical turn on a massive section, earning near-perfect scores once again. At just 22 years old, Picklum continues to redefine what’s possible in women’s surfing, whether dominating big-wave events or pushing the boundaries of aerial progression.
Beyond her impressive competitive achievements, Molly is leveraging her growing platform to champion ocean conservation through her involvement with the WSL One Ocean initiative, among other programs. As one of the rising stars of women’s surfing, she sees her role as more than just competing—she’s a steward of the ocean and working to inspire young women around the world to do their part in protecting the places that they love. Picklum is passionate about using her visibility to amplify the critical work of WSL One Ocean, which funds coastal restoration, fights against single-use plastics, and educates communities about climate action. By aligning with WSL’s sustainability goals, Molly embodies a new generation of surfers who recognize the deep connection between the sport they love and the health of the oceans.
With her laid-back attitude, unyielding competitive drive, and deep commitment to ocean conservation, Molly Picklum is carving out a legacy that goes beyond surfing. As a mentor in the Rising Tides program, she inspires young girls who dream of following in the footsteps of professional surfers, offering them guidance and encouragement to pursue their passions. Molly’s unique blend of sportsmanship and advocacy positions her as not just one of Australia’s most promising athletes, but also a role model for the next generation—proving that making waves in the water can go hand in hand with making a difference for the planet.
