Karla Nicole Gilbert OAM[1] (born 28 February 1975) is a former Australian professional surf lifesaver.

She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for services to surf lifesaving and the community,[1] and is a member of the International,[2] Australian,[3] Queensland,[4] Gold Coast Sporting Halls of Fame.

[5] Gilbert competed in the Gladiator Individual Sports Athletes Challenge in 1995.

This led onto taking up the sport of Standup Paddle Boarding in 2008, soon after her first child was born and went on to win the Australian Championships in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

[3] and went on to become a life member of the Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club later that year.