Over the last several years Carissa Moore has taken the world of women’s surfing by storm. Now, at just 20-years-old, there’s not too much she hasn’t accomplished.
Moore won the U.S Open of Surfing in 2010, was the ASP World Women’s Champion in 2011 and is currently sponsored by some of the biggest companies in the world – like Red Bull and Target. After finishing third in last year’s standings, the Hawaii native is out to try and take back her title.
Currently No. 1 atop the standings, Moore has been in a fight to hold down the top spot all year. We recently got a chance to chat with the surfing phenom about that battle with Tyler Wright, as well as the U.S. Open of Surfing and what have been her favorite events throughout her career.
For any additional information on the U.S Open of Surfing, such as when and where it will be televised, please visit the Red Bull Signature Series’ website.
CraveOnline: What was it like to once again compete in surfing’s biggest event?
Carissa: It was crazy; it’s always crazy to compete in the U.S. Open. It is a hectic event – there’s so many people and so much going on that week but it’s really cool to surf in front of that big of a crowd. Surfing doesn’t have that massive amount of people at many of our events, so it’s definitely like such a cool feeling to surf and compete in front of that [crowd]. But year, I had a lot of fun during the week.
Crave: With such a big atmosphere like you mentioned, this event must be one of your favorite events.
Carissa: Yeah, I mean I definitely do look forward to the U.S. Open every year. It’s a great event and it brings the whole industry together and so many people together that I don’t get to see the rest of the year. There’s definitely other legs of the tour I like better, but I do look forward to the Open every year.
Crave: Is there any additional training that you put in to prepare for this year’s event?
Carissa: I think there’s no better preparation for surfing than actually surfing. I have a great personal trainer, her name is Lisa Stewart, and I work with her about three times a week back home. We do some exercises and she keeps me nice and light on my feet – and ready to go.
Crave: Explain what goes through you head when you’re paddling out for one of your heats.
Carissa: Right before I paddle out for my heat, I’m just trying to keep things simple and focus on where I want to sit, what kind of waves I want to catch and performing at my best. Those are the three things going through my mind. If I start thinking about results or anything like that, I kind of freeze up with pressure – I try to find ways to keep that pressure off and have fun.
Crave: Were you happy with your performance this year?
Carissa: I have to admit, I was really stoked. It just felt good to open up on my back-ten a little bit, though I think I could have done better on my forehand and caught some bigger maneuvers, but I’m stoked with my consistency and the way I surfed my heats – I thought I surfed them smart. I liked my overall performance and my focus.
Crave: With two events remaining, you and Tyler Wright have battled back and forth for the top spot in the standings. Has the competition motivated you?
Carissa: Oh definitely! Tyler [Wright] is an amazing human – she’s just a cool, genuine person. I really like her, not only as a friend, but I really respect her as a competitor. She’s surfing really well; she’s on her game and I think she’s just confident, you know. She’s doing her own thing and I think that’s really cool but seeing her surfing, it’s definitely an honor. To be a part of women’s surfing at this point in time at such a high level, it’s definitely pushing me to perform – and want to perform – at the best I can, otherwise if you don’t bring you’re A-game, you’re not going to make heats. It’s definitely inspiring.
Crave: Having finished third last year, after a first place finish the year before, what would it mean to once again finish atop the women’s standings?
Carissa: You know, it would be amazing. I have dreamed about the world title since the beginning of the season but you know, I kind of don’t really worry about the end results yet. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I’m only 500 points ahead of Tyler [Wright] but to me, I’m still in second place. She’s surfing really well and for me, if I want it I’ve just got to focus on myself and having fun and surfing my best. If it does work out, hey that’s amazing, if it doesn’t I’ve got to put my head down and work harder. We’ll see.
Crave: While most 20-year-olds are attending college, you’re surfing with endorsements for some of the biggest companies like Target and Red Bull. How has this impacted your career?
Carissa: It’s crazy. I did graduate high school and I have very intelligent friends, we’ve all gone to Princeton and Harvard and such but I definitely took the other route, you know. I’m chasing my dream on the tour right now and I would love to go back to school at some point. But I’m very blessed to have these opportunities and I figure why not soak it in while I can. There’s always time for school later.
Crave: What’s been the most memorable event of your career thus far?
Carissa: I’d probably say – well, one was winning at New Zealand either two or three years ago. It was a really magical and special event, sharing it with the people there and just how it all unfolded. I will always remember that. And winning at Bells Beach was really special. It was just great surfing for women. We got really good surf and everyone performed amazingly and it was just really cool to see everyone really excited about the girls. To have my boyfriend and my Dad carry me on the beach was super special. I think those definitely have to top it off.
Crave: Once the season is through, how will you spend your time – what’s next on the schedule?
Carissa: You know, I actually haven’t looked that far. I’m focusing on finishing the season and putting all of my energy into that, which I’m so excited about. I’ll see what happens after that but I’m pretty sure I’m just going to just be at home cruising. I’d love to do some sort of fun project to give back but I don’t know what that is yet. And maybe go on some fun trip and enjoy the winter at home. There’s a lot of fun stuff ahead though.
Ed is an MMA/Extreme Sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller, and subscribe at Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
Photo Credit: Target
