Carissa Moore Makes Triumphant Return to WSL Championship Tour
Five-time world champion Carissa Moore makes a triumphant return to the WSL Championship Tour in 2026 after a hiatus for motherhood, showcasing immediate success at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
Five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore has officially returned to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour for the 2026 season. After a hiatus to focus on motherhood, Moore made a strong showing in her first event back, demonstrating that her competitive spirit and skill remain undiminished. Her comeback marks a significant moment for professional surfing, inspiring many with her journey.
Key Takeaways
- Carissa Moore returns to the WSL Championship Tour for the 2026 season.
- She competed in her first tour event in two years at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
- Moore secured a Round 1 victory, showing no signs of rust.
- Her return is motivated by a desire to inspire her daughter and other women to chase their dreams.
- The 2026 season features format changes, including the Pipe Masters as the season finale.
A Mother's Comeback
After stepping away from competitive surfing in January 2024 to start a family, Carissa Moore welcomed her daughter, ‘Olena, in February 2025. Her return to the tour, beginning with the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Australia, signifies a new chapter in her illustrious career. Moore, who received a full-season wildcard, 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 show her daughter that dreams can be pursued even as life evolves.
Immediate Impact on Tour
Moore's return to the waves was met with immediate success. In her opening heat at Bells Beach, she clinched a victory with an impressive single-wave score of 7.50. Her husband and young daughter were present to celebrate her emotional return. She is set to join fellow Hawaiian surfers Gabriela Bryan and Bettylou Sakura Johnson in the next round of the competition.
A New Era for the WSL
The 2026 WSL Championship Tour season also ushers in significant format changes. Notably, the prestigious Pipe Masters event on Oahu's North Shore has been moved to the end of the season, serving as the finale for determining the world champions for the first time in the women's division. This shift replaces the single-day, staggered-bracket format that had been in place since 2021. The season will consist of surfers' top seven out of nine regular-season results, plus the final three contests, with Pipe Masters offering bonus points.