Biography:
Carissa Kainani Moore, born on August 27, 1992, is a Hawaiian American Olympian, world champion surfer, and activist. Her extraordinary achievements in the world of surfing have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest female surfers of all time. Moore’s passion for the sport started at a young age, and her unwavering dedication and talent propelled her to the pinnacle of success.
At the tender age of five, Moore began surfing with her father off the beaches of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii. Under her father’s guidance, she quickly developed a deep love for the sport. In her own words, Dad taught me how to surf when I was about four or five years old at Waikiki Beach, and I was immediately hooked. Her father, Chris, a competitive open water swimmer, played a pivotal role in shaping Moore’s early surfing journey. Given the choice between her landlocked mother and the ocean, Moore chose Hawaii and her father when her parents divorced when she was ten years old. During times when her motivation waned, Moore would write letters to her father to stay motivated and focused on her surfing goals.
Moore’s prowess in the water became evident when she started competing in junior surf competitions organized by the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) at the age of 11. She quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, earning multiple wins in NSSA events. Additionally, Moore showcased her talent on the international stage by achieving top spots at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Championships, where she played a pivotal role in Hawaii’s team victory. In total, she secured a remarkable 11 NSSA amateur titles.
In 2008, at just 16 years old, Moore etched her name into the record books by becoming the youngest champion at a Triple Crown of Surfing event when she triumphed at the Reef Hawaiian Pro. This achievement served as a precursor to her future success on the professional stage.
Moore’s professional career took off in 2010 when she qualified to compete on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), now known as the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. In her rookie year, she made an immediate impact, winning two major contests, finishing third overall, and earning the well-deserved title of Rookie of the Year. The following season, Moore further solidified her status as a rising star, winning three events and dethroning the four-time defending champion, Stephanie Gilmore, to claim her first World Surfing title. At just 18 years old, Moore became the youngest person, male or female, to win a surfing world title, solidifying her position as a true prodigy in the sport.
Moore’s dominance did not end there. She continued to impress the surfing world by securing top honors in the World Tour in 2013 and 2015, further cementing her place among the elite surfers. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level and her unparalleled skill in riding the waves have made her a formidable force in the sport.
Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments in surfing, Moore has also been recognized for her activism and influence on society. In 2013, Glamour magazine acknowledged her as one of their Women of the Year, highlighting her impact and inspiring presence. She was also named an Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic, further solidifying her position as a role model for aspiring athletes and adventurers.
In 2020, Moore achieved another historic milestone when she became the first-ever winner of the Olympic Gold Medal in women’s shortboard surfing at the Olympic Games. This groundbreaking achievement not only further established her as a legend within the sport but also elevated the profile of women’s surfing on the global stage.
Furthermore, Moore’s impact extends beyond her accomplishments in the water. Her involvement in environmental and social causes has made her a prominent figure in using her platform to drive positive change. Moore’s dedication to protecting and preserving the oceans aligns with her love for surfing, and she actively advocates for sustainable practices and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Carissa Moore’s contributions to the sport of surfing, her groundbreaking achievements, and her commitment to making a difference in the world have solidified her place as an icon in women’s history. Her ability to inspire and empower others, both within and outside of the surfing community, is a testament to her extraordinary character and unwavering determination. Carissa Moore’s impact on the sport she loves and the world at large will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal in women’s shortboard surfing (2020)
– 2011 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Tour Champion
– 2013 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Tour Champion
– 2015 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Tour Champion
– 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Tour Champion
– 2021 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Tour Champion
– Surfers’ Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)
– Adventurer of the Year (National Geographic)
– Woman of the Year (Glamour magazine)