Carissa Moore’s shock announcement that she will rejoin the Championship Tour in 2026 has sent a jolt through the surf world. After stepping back from competition to focus on motherhood, the five-time world champion has decided the story isn’t finished—and for surfing, this might be the most exciting comeback in years.
Moore’s career has been a masterclass in talent, resilience and cultural pride. Born in Honolulu and raised on the powerful reefs of Oahu, she burst onto the scene as a prodigy, stacking up eleven NSSA titles as a teenager. At 16 she famously took out an event in the Triple Crown series, becoming the youngest surfer ever to win at that level and marking the arrival of a generational force.
Her rise didn’t slow. In 2011, at just 18, Moore became the youngest women’s world champion in history. Over the next decade she would go on to claim world titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2021—five crowns that cemented her as one of the greatest surfers of all time. Her consistency was almost unheard of: from 2010 to 2023 she finished outside the top three only once.
Then came her defining moment on the global stage. At the sport’s Olympic debut in 2021, Moore wrote her name into history by claiming the first-ever women’s surfing gold medal. In tricky conditions, under the pressure of the world’s spotlight, she delivered a performance that transcended the event—showing the elegance, power and clarity that have long defined her surfing.
But Moore’s influence has always stretched deeper than competition results. She has championed pathways for young women in surfing, built community through her foundation, and carried the heritage of Hawai‘i proudly across her career. Her connection to culture, identity and the roots of surfing has made her one of the most respected figures in the lineup.
Her decision now to return to the world tour carries immense weight. It signals that motherhood and elite performance can coexist at the highest level. It reframes what a professional surfing career can look like. And it brings back to the sport a competitor whose mix of humility and fire has long set the standard.
For readers of BOMBA Surf Magazine, especially here in Malta where winter swells start to pulse and the community gears up for bigger surf, Moore’s comeback is a reminder that surfing is a lifelong pursuit. Her story shows that reinvention is part of the ride, that stepping away doesn’t mean stepping back, and that legends aren’t defined by when they peak—but by how they continue to evolve.
Carissa Moore is returning. And the surfing world is better for it.
Carissa Moore — Career Achievements
World Titles & Competitive Milestones
- Five-time WSL Women’s World Champion
2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021
Cementing her as one of the most dominant surfers in the sport’s history. - Youngest Women’s World Champion (at the time)
Won her first world title at 18 years old in 2011. - Olympic Gold Medalist – Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)
Became the first woman in history to win an Olympic surfing gold medal. - Youngest Triple Crown of Surfing event winner
Took out a major event on Oahu’s North Shore at age 16, a breakthrough moment that announced her as a generational talent. - Near-decade of dominance
From 2010 to 2023, she finished outside the top three only once—one of the most consistent runs ever seen in competitive surfing.
Junior & Early Career Achievements
- 11 National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) titles
Demonstrated elite ability from her earliest competitive years. - ISA World Junior Champion (multiple wins)
Established herself as the world’s top junior surfer before entering the CT. - Triple Crown standout performer
Regularly placed and competed with world-class surfers on Hawaii’s heaviest waves long before joining the tour.
Surfing Style & Performance Legacy
- Redefined power surfing in the women’s division
Known for unmatched rail work, deep carves, and a style that blends grace with explosive power. - Excelled across all wave types
From heavy reef waves at Honolulu Bay to high-performance beach breaks, Moore became known as the most complete surfer of her generation. - Elevated the competitive standard
Regularly set the benchmark in heat totals and progression, pushing the entire field forward.
Cultural & Community Impact
- Proud representative of Hawai‘i and Native Hawaiian surf heritage
Often highlighted the cultural origins of surfing and her responsibility to carry that legacy. - Founder of the Moore Aloha Foundation
Inspires young women through surf camps, mentorship, empowerment programs and community events. - Role model for women in sport
Advocates for equality in surfing, increased visibility for women’s events, and mental-health support for young athletes. - Trailblazer for motherhood in professional surfing
Her 2026 tour return stands as a landmark moment, showing that elite sport and motherhood can coexist.
Industry Recognition
- Multiple Surfer of the Year awards
Honored by various surfing media and organizations over her career. - Consistent top-five presence in global athlete rankings
Due to her blend of competitive success, cultural influence, and global profile.
