Carissa Moore, the Olympic surfing champion, is preparing for a significant shift in her career. As she gears up for the Tahiti Pro and the upcoming Olympics, Moore reflects on her experiences and the challenges ahead at the notorious Teahupo’o wave.
A Humbling Beginning at Teahupo’o
Carissa Moore vividly recalls her first encounter with Teahupo’o, the daunting wave off Tahiti’s coast. Fresh out of high school, Moore faced the wave’s ferocity with little experience but immense curiosity. “I was so out of my league,” she remembers. “I had never surfed a wave like that and was scared out of my pants.”
Beauty and Danger: The Dual Nature of Teahupo’o
Teahupo’o is a picturesque yet perilous wave famous for its barreling beauty and treacherous nature. “It’s those waves that scare you the most that end up being the best,” Moore explains. Despite the danger, Moore acknowledges the thrill and reward of conquering such formidable waves.
Preparation for the Tahiti Pro and the Olympics
Moore is honing her skills for the Paris 2024 Olympics with a wildcard entry into the Tahiti Pro. She views this period not as retirement but as “a shift and an evolution,” focusing on personal pursuits while engaging in select competitions. “I don’t feel like you can ever get 100% comfortable at a wave like Teahupo’o,” she admits, “but I believe that the more you put yourself in uncomfortable situations, the more comfortable you will get.”
Environmental Concerns and the Impact on Tahiti
The Olympic event in Tahiti has sparked environmental concerns due to damage caused to the coral reef by construction activities. Moore, a staunch environmental advocate, emphasizes preserving natural habitats. “I am a huge advocate for the environment and the reefs and the oceans – that’s our playground,” she says, stressing the need to protect these vital ecosystems.
Empowering the Next Generation
Through her foundation, Moore Aloha, Carissa Moore is dedicated to empowering young girls using surfing as a platform. The foundation supports mental health and wellness, encouraging girls to embrace their strengths. “Growing up as a young woman, I realized there weren’t as many opportunities for girls, especially in the ocean,” Moore reflects, highlighting her commitment to inspiring the next generation.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Carissa Moore
As Moore steps away from full-time competition, she leaves the door open for future endeavors in surfing and beyond. “I’m not closing the door completely on the tour and competing, but I want to give myself the space and grace to figure out what’s next,” she says. Whether she returns to competition or focuses on other passions, Moore’s legacy in surfing remains unparalleled.
Carissa Moore’s journey at Teahupo’o and her broader career reflect her courage, resilience, and dedication to surfing. As she prepares for her next chapter, she continues to inspire and impact the surfing community and beyond.