Carissa Moore leaves competitive surfing
Five-time world champion Carissa Moore announced that she will be stepping away from competitive surfing to start a new chapter in her life and career.
The 31-year-old from the South Shore of Oahu will compete on home soil in the Pipe Pro before withdrawing from the Championship Tour (CT) and will receive the wildcard to compete in the Tahiti Pro.
She will then compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games before taking some personal time away from competition.
A born competitor who always brings her A-game and has showcased her greatness on the CT since 2010, Moore is opting to step away from that aspect of her life and career.
At the forefront of surfing’s progression for years, the Hawaiian has decided to challenge herself outside of the jersey following the Olympic Games.
“I’m excited to see what else there is, outside the jersey,” Moore said.
“I don’t like the word retirement. I like to say a departure from the tour, or just stepping back, or switching gears, or, like, evolving.”
The exact reasons behind her sudden departure from professional competitive surfing were not disclosed.
A two-time runner-up and the defending event winner at Pipeline, Moore will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate an incredibly successful career with the North Shore community and her fans at the Pipe Pro.
Her track record in Hawaii with five event wins, including one as a wildcard before even stepping onto the CT, makes her an absolute favorite.
Surfing’s first Olympic gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Moore will also look to defend her medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics held in Tahiti this summer.
She reached the quarterfinals twice at Teahupoo on the CT and will receive a wildcard into this year’s event as she continues to build experience and hone her skills in one of the world’s most treacherous lineups ahead of the Olympic Games.
“As Carissa Moore shares her decision of this new chapter, we reflect on her incredible journey and the profound impact she’s had on surfing,” Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL chief of sport, said.
“She is a champion and a role model in and out of the water. Throughout her career, Carissa has exemplified grace, resilience, and competitive excellence.”
“Her achievements have transcended the sport, bringing a new level of athleticism and progression to surfing.”
“Carissa’s dedication to pushing the boundaries has been inspirational, and her absence in the competitive scene will be deeply felt.”
Moore’s Record-Breaking Career in Numbers
Moore’s incredible 13-year career is decorated with almost every professional surfing accolade possible, including five world titles and surfing’s first Olympic gold medal.
Moore has competed in 120 Championship Tour events, claiming 28 event wins throughout her career.
Moore arrived on the Championship Tour in 2010, posing an immediate threat to her competition.
In her first year on Tour, she finished third overall and was named Rookie of the Year.
The following season, she claimed her first world title at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest man or woman ever to do so. Moore undoubtedly ushered in a new era of power surfing to the CT.
Moore embodies the Aloha spirit and created the Moore Aloha Foundation to inspire the next generation of young surfers.
She is truly a trailblazer in the sport and will continue to push the progression of surfing in her new chapter.
