Carissa Moore

Quick Facts

• Sport: Surfing

• Specialty: Women's shortboard

Biographical Information

Carissa Moore is a professional surfer who became a global icon after winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's shortboard surfing. Moore began surfing with her father (also a competitive surfer) at just five years old.  

In 2018, Moore founded the Moore Aloha Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on using surfing as a platform to bring young women together. She chooses to wear the flag of Hawaii instead of the United States flag when she competes in World Surf League international competitions, honoring her Hawaiian heritage. 

Her mastery and fluidity in the water have made her one of the most revered figures in the sport. 

Olympic Highlights

In 2021, Moore won the first Olympic gold medal in women's surfing at the Tokyo 2020 Games. This monumental achievement solidified her status as a pioneer in Olympic surfing.

Moore qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after placing second in the 2023 World Surf League Championship Tour and competed in the quarterfinals at the games. 

World Championship Highlights

Moore is a five-time WSL World Champion in the World Surf League, starting with the year 2011 when she became the youngest World Champion in WSL history at age 18. She went on to win in 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Early Career

Moore's passion for surfing began when she started riding waves with her father at Waikiki Beach as a child. She began winning multiple National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) junior surf competitions at the young age of 11. In total, she clinched a record 11 NSSA amateur titles before turning pro. She first qualified to compete in the WSL in 2010 and was named Rookie of the Year.

Olympic Experience

• 2-time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist (1 gold)
  • Olympic Games Paris 2024, 5th (Shortboard - Women)
  • Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, gold (Shortboard - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – silver
• Years of participation: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021
• Medals: 7 (5 gold, 2 silver)
  • Gold – 2021, 2019, 2015, 2013, 2011

  • Silver – 2023, 2022