Carissa Moore Announces Return to WSL Championship Tour in 2026

Five-time world champion Carissa Moore is returning to the WSL Championship Tour in 2026 after starting a family, bringing renewed excitement to the surfing world.

Carissa Moore Announces Return to WSL Championship Tour in 2026

Five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore is set to make a highly anticipated return to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in 2026. After taking time off to start a family, Moore will compete on a full-season wildcard, marking a significant moment for the sport.

Key Takeaways

  • Carissa Moore, a five-time WSL champion and Olympic gold medalist, will return to the Championship Tour in 2026.
  • She welcomed her daughter, 'Olena, in February 2025.
  • Moore will compete on a full-season wildcard, starting at Bells Beach, Australia.
  • The WSL has also announced changes to its season-ending format for 2026.

A Mother's Comeback

Moore, who stepped away from full-time competition in January 2024 to focus on starting a family, announced her return on Thursday. She and her husband, Luke Untermann, welcomed their daughter, 'Olena, in February 2025. Moore expressed her excitement about competing again, stating, "To put my jersey back on after having a baby feels like such a win." She aims to inspire her daughter and other women to pursue their dreams regardless of life's evolving stages.

A Storied Career and New Beginnings

Before her hiatus, Moore was renowned as one of the most consistent performers in CT history, with 28 wins in 122 events and only one finish outside the top three in her 13 seasons. Her career highlight includes her fifth WSL championship and Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Despite close calls for world titles in 2022 and 2023, the WSL's previous Finals format proved challenging. The league has since reverted to a more traditional ranking system for 2026, with the Pipe Masters restored as the season-ending event.

The 2026 Season and Beyond

Moore's return adds significant star power to the 2026 WSL Championship Tour, which kicks off at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia, on April 1 and concludes with the Pipe Masters on Oahu's North Shore in December. She plans to compete in all events, accompanied by her husband and daughter. This comeback mirrors historical precedents, such as Lisa Andersen's success after becoming a mother. Moore's journey emphasizes a new balance, prioritizing her role as a mother while continuing her elite athletic career.

Sources