On the Verge of Retirement, 5X World Surfing Champion Carissa Moore Recollects Forces Behind Her Unexpected Career Choice: “Both Loved Swimming”

Born into a family where the rhythm of the tides was akin to a heartbeat, Carissa Moore found her sanctuary in the azure waters at a very tender age. Guided by her father’s deep love for the ocean she embarked on a journey that redefined the meaning and reason of her life.

Moore became the essence of women’s surfing as she was the first one to grab the gold in women’s shortboard surfing in the history of the Olympics. It all started at the age of five. Moore’s love affair with the waves began as naturally as the ebb and flow of the ocean itself. But it was all sparked by her father’s tutelage and her parents’ love for water that made her fall for the oceans.

Moore’s oceanic journey: A father’s plan, a daughter’s passion

Moore was as young as four when she started to dance in the waves. Holding the hands of Chris Moore, her father, and her first mentor, she walked into the beaches of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was from that very moment that Moore’s young spirit was intoxicated by the thrill and joy of dancing in the majestic waves.

In a recent interview, Moore was asked what made her step into the waves for the very first time. Carissa Moore replied, “I started surfing because of my Parent’s passion for the ocean and the water. My mom and dad actually met poolside. They both loved swimming.” She stated how her parents, Carol Lun and Carissa Moore started their journey together from the shorelines, and Carissa being their eldest daughter was introduced to the waves at the tender age of four.

Carissa Moore’s dad, Chris Moore was not only her first mentor but was also a competitive open-water swimmer. Reflecting on her father’s role in her life Moore further added, “I think it was like maybe my dad’s master plan to have me fall in love with the oceans so that I’d never leave Hawaii. And definitely mission accomplished.”

Hawaii’s surfing ambassador embodies oceanic legacy, Olympic triumph

However, it was not only the allure of the ocean that became the only cornerstone of Carissa’s deep passion for the sport. It was also the legacy woven into the very fabric of Hawaiian culture. The ocean thus for her and the people of Hawaii is more than just a playground. It’s a sacred space for the Hawaiian people. And thus as Moore stepped into the waves she was not only a surfer but a custodian of the rich heritage and culture of Hawaii.

Read More: Carissa Moore Teams Up with Luxury Brand’s Resort to Spread Love and Awareness Among Women

“I’m so proud to be Hawaiian and to be a Hawaiian surfer and to be able to represent our sport. Especially at the world level, it’s a great honor for me. It was really cool to take part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and I felt through that whole journey and process that I got to learn so much more about my roots and where I come from and our history” said Moore. She further added that she would always try to make Hawaii proud and is waiting to unravel the next chapter of her life.

Continue to Read: Carving a Niche for Women, Carissa Moore Shares ‘Empowering’ Advice