As the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club celebrates its 100th anniversary, one of its most iconic members, Karla Gilbert, reflects on what it’s like to be part of a club that’s been protecting Australia’s most famous beach for a century. As a professional ironwoman and life member of the club, Karla has played a pivotal role in shaping the surf lifesaving scene, from a pint-sized nipper to a powerhouse IronWoman. From her early days at the club (including losing a board on Mum’s car—oops!)  to her domination in surf sports, Karla’s connection to the club runs deep. She reflects on a life lived by the tides, the incredible legacy of the surf club she calls home and her passion for keeping things salty, strong, and connected.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Since day dot! My parents were among the first to build a house along Murlong Crescent in Tallebudgera in the early 1970s; it is still there today, although we moved to Currumbin Hill for most of my childhood. I have so many memories of visiting dad’s business, Palm Beach Printing, on Palm Beach Avenue as a child, with the smell of freshly printed paper and ink. I am always keen to return home from travelling and always feel proud to call myself GC born and bred!

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
There aren’t many unexplored stones in the GC anymore, compared to the past when you might find an unexplored spot to appreciate with ease of travel. I feel quite passionate about protecting our natural environment and preserving the unique qualities of the GC. These days, it still seems so simple to start the day with energy by going for a swim, paddle, or walk at sunrise. Particularly if you’re a water baby, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy the beach, the warm weather, and the coastal lifestyle!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Gosh, where do I start… I feel I have lived 3 lives in one. Firstly,  I love sport and in particular surf sports which luckily enough gifted me a career as a professional Ironwoman for 15 years, winning Australian and world titles. It was a crazy time in the sport and obviously living on the GC helped nurture me as an athlete. From here I met my wonderful husband Andrew and we now have 2 busy teenage girls pulling us in every direction!  Business-wise wise I assist clients in nutrition and health through my website and also work alongside LifeChanger Foundation, a mental health and wellbeing preventative for youth,  building out the SE QLD region with school workshops and organising their fundraising adventure challenges. I also help coach a community ocean swimming group, saltwater swimmers which is super rewarding and great to be a part of.

You started your journey in surf lifesaving as a nipper at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. What are your earliest memories of those days?
I joined Surfers at age 13, after being enticed with a new nipper board (my old one was lost after I forgot to tie it down on mum’s car), and I remember being feeling like I had landed in the right place.  The support from the beginning with the members was amazing and I instantly had an extended family (mainly big brothers!) Females were in minority at the time and Cassandra Segman, another pioneering female athlete helped to pave the way for other females to prove we are just as strong and fierce in the ocean as the males.

How did being part of the SLSC shape your career and your passion for the ocean?
I was always drawn to ocean activities as a child and grew up windsurfing, surfing and swimming, but it was the lure of competing in a changing environment with the challenge of the ocean that really captivated me. In the beginning, Ironwoman racing wasn’t a thing so I watched and modelled my training off the men – thinking that was my destiny until 1990 when the first ironwoman event ever was held and I someone won this as a 15 year old. From there it was a whirlwind and a career I never imagined unfolded which cemented my love and fascination with the ocean.

As Surfers Paradise SLSC celebrates its 100th anniversary, what does it mean to you to be part of such a significant milestone for the club?
I feel very humbled to be involved in the 100 year celebrations of the club, honoring and appreciating everyone who has played a part in protecting one of the busiest beaches in the country. Surfers Paradise beach is one of GC best tourism assests and through seasonal patrols over this time, we have never lost someone in between the flags. We all come and go, and ultimately are custodians in time but Surfers Paradise will always be my home club where I am a proud life member.

You’ve inspired so many women in the sport. What message would you give to young girls aspiring to follow in your footsteps, both in competition and in wellness? Believe in yourself and trust the journey. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, not just in sport but in life. Focus on the small, consistent actions that lead to success, whether it’s training for competition or building healthy habits. Above all, stay true to who you are, find joy in what you do, and remember that balance and self-care are key to sustaining both physical and mental wellness. Dream big and be patient with your progress—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to get involved with a surf lifesaving club, either as a competitor or as a community volunteer? Joining a surf lifesaving club is a fantastic way to build fitness, community, and life-saving skills. As a competitor, the training is fun but  will push you to your limits, teaching you resilience and mental toughness while offering the camaraderie of a supportive team. Stay committed, and be open to learning from every experience, the ocean is a great teacher for this! As a community volunteer, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference. The sense of fulfillment that comes from protecting others is incredibly rewarding and everyone’s contributions—whether on the beach or behind the scenes—are vital to the safety and success of the community. It’s not just about saving lives; it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself and staying connected with the ocean and the people around you.

What are your Gold Coast Favourites:
Café: Haig Street Cafe, Kirra for breakfast
Restaurant: Any of the surf clubs for great views!
Bar: I’m not a huge drinker but anywhere with a view of the ocean captivates me for one!
Beach: The Alley

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off are a rare commodity but if I have the chance I am pottering around the house, after a morning swim and coffee at Tallebudgera. If the surf is good a lunchtime surf is on order, after the crowds have gone then a family BBQ to round off the day.

We interviewed Arisa last year when making the Olympic team was a dream. Little did she know, her next move would secure her a place in Australian sporting history and an Olympic gold medal. At just 14 years and 86 days old, Trew became Australia’s youngest-ever gold medallist, dazzling the Paris crowd with a score of 93.18. “My coach Trev just told me to go all out,” she said. “I thought, ‘Why not? It’s all or nothing.’”

And indeed, it was all.

Trew flawlessly executed her tricks, including a backside 360 into a 540, and capped it off with a spectacular kick flip over the corner, catching her skateboard mid-air and landing with finesse…

Here’s the interview from August 2023…

Arisa Trew is not your average 13-year-old. She recently catapulted into the limelight by achieving a groundbreaking feat: becoming the first female to successfully execute a 720-degree spin in a competition. And not just any competition. Arisa landed the move at the Tony Hawk Vert Alert competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is significant because Tony Hawk pioneered the move as a teenager back in 1985.

Arisa’s skateboarding journey is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. With each day spent on her board, she hones her skills, mastering new tricks and techniques. With each kickflip and grind, she’s contributing to a more inclusive and diverse skateboarding community. Arisa Trew is a name that’s sure to shine brightly in the skateboarding world for years to come.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been living on the Gold Coast for 11 years.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love my skate friends, Gold Coast skate parks, the beach & school.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Arisa Trew. I’m 13 years old from the Gold Coast Australia, I love to skateboard and surf.

Can you tell us how you started skateboarding and what initially attracted you to the sport?
I surf a lot, but one winter 5 years ago the water got too cold so I started skateboarding and never stopped. I just love it.

What has been your biggest achievement in skateboarding so far?
My biggest achievement in skateboarding is winning 2 X Games Gold Medals in Ventura, USA this year, as well as being the first female to land a 720 in competition, a move invented by Tony Hawk over 20 years ago.

Are there any skaters, athletes, or individuals who inspire you and have had a significant impact on your journey?
One of my favourite skaters who I look up to and who inspires me is Moto Shibata, because he is a really good skater has an amazing style and is also my friend. He is a Vert skater which is my favourite thing to skate.

What are your goals and aspirations in skateboarding? Are there any particular tricks or competitions you’re aiming for in the future?
I would love to try a 900 or a kicky flip body varial 540. One of my biggest goals is to place in World Olympic qualifiers and win a medal at the Olympics.

What advice would you give to other young people who are interested in skateboarding or other competitive sports?
Never give up and if you really want to be the best then just keep on working at it.

What are your Gold Coast Favourites:
Favourite café or restaurant: Salt Mill in Currumbin, Doki Doki Cafe, Palm Beach
Favourite skatepark: Elanora and Level Up Skate Park
Favourite beach: Currumbin Alley

How do you choose to spend your days off?
If not skating I am usually surfing, hanging with my friends, bike riding or at recovery hot and cold pools.

Buckle up, Gold Coasters, we’re taking a joyride through the turbocharged life of Rachael Reid. From a wheelie bin speedster in her childhood to the glamorous Miss Indy, race car driver, Surfers Paradise bar owner, and supercar test pilot, Rachael’s story is the ultimate automotive dream come true. With a heart as big as her engine and a passion for philanthropy, she’s more than just a social media influencer—she’s a charity queen and a proud mom of three incredible girls. We dive into her journey from car-loving tomboy to the powerhouse behind Her Supercar Life, and learn how she’s using her drive to make a difference both on and off the road!

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have lived on the Gold Coast since I was nine having moved from Sydney.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The beach lifestyle, the exciting automotive community, and opportunities for business.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
From a car-loving tomboy to the runways of Miss Indy, my life so far has been a thrilling ride. I’ve shifted from modelling to racing to business. Alongside owning a popular bar in Surfers Paradise to developing commercial real estate, I’ve owned, tested and reviewed supercars, carving a niche as a social media influencer and charity advocate. Today, I channel my passion through Her Supercar Life and The Sunset Run my supercar charity event, while also being a proud mom to three incredible girls. My journey merges speed, style, and the drive to make a difference through philanthropy.

What initially sparked your passion for exotic cars and motorsport?
My brothers working on cars and their influence at a young age, along with my early exposure to motorsport.

What inspired you to create Her Supercar Life?
What inspired me to create Her Supercar Life was not just my personal passion for high-end exotics and supercars, but also a desire to open this exhilarating world to other women. I aim to demystify the often intimidating world of automotive, highlighting not only their potential as smart investments but also the sheer joy and artistry of driving them.

Each car has its own unique story, rich with history and innovation, which I find absolutely fascinating. Through Her Supercar Life, I strive to empower women to appreciate, invest in, and experience the thrill and prestige of these incredible machines.

What are some of the most memorable moments or highlights you’ve experienced since founding Her Supercar Life?
Being asked to join the Lamborghini global female advisory board by the then Lamborghini Global 2IC Katia Basile, driving Formula 4 at Sepang, and building a successful brand that resonates with female car enthusiasts.

You’ve raised over $150,000 for notable charities such as LIVIN and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. How important is philanthropy to you and Her Supercar Life, and how do you integrate charitable efforts into your events?
Philanthropy is not just important to me—it’s a core pillar of Her Supercar Life. We believe in leveraging our passion for supercars to make a meaningful impact on the community. This commitment is reflected in events we’ve held, such as Exotics and Espresso, where we bring together supercar enthusiasts to support various causes. Our latest initiative is The Sunset Run, an event that not only offers an exceptional driving experience but also serves a greater purpose by raising funds for mental health advocates LIVIN.

By integrating these charitable efforts into our events, we create opportunities for our community to engage in philanthropy that resonates with their interests, fostering a culture of giving back while enjoying the cars they love. To date, we’ve raised over $150,000 for notable charities, including LIVIN, Make-A-Wish Foundation and others, underscoring our commitment to driving positive change both on and off the road.

How do you see the supercar community evolving in Australia, and what role do you envision Her Supercar Life playing in that evolution?
The supercar community in Australia is rapidly evolving to become more inclusive, particularly encouraging more women to engage. The ‘Her’ in Her Supercar Life symbolises not just my involvement but stands as an invitation to all women and our commitment to fostering female participation and dismantling stereotypes in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our events and initiatives to not only increase female visibility but also use our platform for philanthropy, making the supercar community about more than just cars but driving positive social change.

What does the future have in store?
Expanding our events nationally with exciting partnerships – watch this space, also new exciting events on the horizon, more charity work, and continued advocacy for female empowerment in the automotive industry.

What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Café: No Name Lane
Restaurant: Social Eating House
Bar: Burleigh Pavilion
Beach: Burleigh

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Spending time with family, and of course driving.