Carissa Moore Makes Triumphant Return with First Post-Pregnancy WSL Victory

Carissa Moore secures her first World Surf League victory since returning from maternity leave at the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro, marking a significant comeback.

Carissa Moore Makes Triumphant Return with First Post-Pregnancy WSL Victory

Carissa Moore, the celebrated five-time world champion from Honolulu, has once again proven her dominance in the World Surf League (WSL) by securing her first victory since returning from a break to start a family. The Corona Cero New Zealand Pro in Raglan saw Moore defeat 17-year-old Sawyer Lindblad in a thrilling final, marking a significant milestone in her comeback.

Key Takeaways

  • Carissa Moore achieved her first WSL Championship Tour (CT) win since her return from maternity leave.
  • The victory marks Moore's 29th career CT win, placing her second all-time.
  • Moore's performance included the highest heat score of the season among women surfers.
  • The event in Raglan, New Zealand, featured challenging conditions and a brief delay due to a photographer's injury.

A Powerful Comeback Performance

After a two-year hiatus to focus on her family, Moore, 33, demonstrated that her competitive spirit and skill remain undiminished. In the final at Manu Bay, Raglan, she posted a winning score of 17.90 against Lindblad's 16.67. This win is particularly emotional for Moore, who held her daughter, Olena, after the victory.

"This is for the moms, never stop dreaming if you want to," Moore shared in a WSL release. "When I walked away two years ago, I didn’t know if I’d ever get this feeling back or this opportunity to surf perfect waves with only one other person out... In that process, you doubt yourself so much, and so I think the win means so much to me."

Career Milestones and Full-Circle Moments

This victory elevates Moore to No. 6 in the season's CT rankings. It also evokes memories of her first CT win at age 17 in Taranaki, New Zealand, in 2010, a moment her father also witnessed, creating a profound sense of a "full-circle moment."

Moore also dedicated her win to the late surf filmmaker Greg Browning, remembering him for his kindness and positive impact on the surfing community.

Dominance in the Semifinals

Moore's path to the final included an exceptional performance in the semifinals against fellow Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson. Moore achieved the highest heat score of the season among WSL women, a near-perfect 19.00 out of a possible 20.00, showcasing her formidable talent.

A Competitive Final and Acknowledging Rising Talent

While Lindblad kept the final competitive with strong rides, Moore's experience and powerful surfing ultimately secured her the win. Moore acknowledged Lindblad as a rising force in the sport and expressed gratitude to the local New Zealand crowd for their support.

Historical Context and Future Events

Moore's achievement places her in esteemed company, following in the footsteps of surfers like Melanie Bartels and Lisa Anderson, who also achieved significant success as mothers on the tour. Brazil's Italo Ferreira also claimed a victory at the New Zealand Pro, his first since becoming a father.

The WSL tour now heads to the Surf City El Salvador Pro, scheduled from June 5 to 15.

Sources