Carissa Moore rides to back-to-back victories as the WSL embraces family support

Carissa Moore secures back-to-back WSL wins while the tour introduces new maternity and paternity policies to support athlete parents.

Carissa Moore rides to back-to-back victories as the WSL embraces family support

Five-time world champion Carissa Moore has made a triumphant return to form, securing back-to-back victories on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Her recent triumph at the Surf City El Salvador Pro marks a significant milestone, highlighting the evolving and increasingly family-inclusive landscape of professional competitive surfing.

Key takeaways

  • Carissa Moore clinched her 30th career CT win in El Salvador, defeating Tyler Wright.
  • The WSL has officially introduced maternity wildcards to ensure job security for athlete mothers.
  • New paternity leave policies allow male surfers to take time for family commitments without forfeiting total ranking points.

The return of a surfing icon

In a display of consistency and skill, Carissa Moore cemented her comeback after roughly two years away from the sport. Following a victory in New Zealand, Moore secured the 30th Championship Tour win of her career with a 15.10 to 13.84 victory over Tyler Wright. The win was particularly emotional, as it followed her decision to take a hiatus to raise her daughter, Olena. Competing with her husband, Luke Untermann, by her side, Moore noted that the ability to share these career milestones with her family has provided immense motivation and joy.

New structural support for athlete parents

Recognizing the challenges faced by professional surfing parents, the WSL has implemented comprehensive structural changes to promote athlete career longevity. A groundbreaking maternity wildcard policy has been established, allowing surfers to return to the circuit up to two years after taking a break to start a family. This initiative has already provided pathways for professionals like Johanne Defay and Tatiana Weston-Webb to plan their competitive returns, ensuring that motherhood does not signal the end of an elite career.

Fostering an inclusive tour culture

The shift toward a family-friendly environment extends to the men’s circuit as well. The WSL now offers paternity leave options allowing male athletes to request a break for two events or one month while retaining minimum ranking points. These developments acknowledge the necessity of balance for top-tier athletes. By integrating these policies, the league is working to shed the historical stigma surrounding professional parents, fostering a culture where athletes can maintain their competitive edge while successfully navigating family life.

Sources