Carissa Moore, a five-time World Surfing Champion, has been one of the most dominant forces in the sport for nearly 15 years. However, her latest journey takes a personal turn as she prepares for motherhood at nearly nine months pregnant. Moore, who has a remarkable list of accolades—including an Olympic gold medal and an induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame—recently spoke about her evolving career, the challenges of surfing while expecting, and how motherhood has empowered her in new ways.
Pregnancy and Surfing: A Unique Challenge
In an exclusive interview, Moore revealed how she has approached her pregnancy with the same dedication and strategy she applies to her professional career. “I’ve been looking at my pregnancy as a competition,” Moore said, explaining how she’s been preparing for childbirth much like she would for a big event. “What’s my to-do list? Who’s on my team? Just so I can give myself the best chance of success.”
Despite the physical toll of pregnancy, Moore remains undeterred in her commitment to the ocean. She continues to surf, albeit at a more cautious pace. “It’s difficult,” she admitted with a laugh. “Surfing looks so much different than it used to. It takes me 30 minutes to get out there, 30 minutes to get back, and just a few waves.” She acknowledges that, at times, the physical discomfort makes her question whether it’s worth it—but the answer is always clear: “Absolutely yes, it’s worth it.” Moore finds surfing to be a source of empowerment, a way to stay connected with herself during this life-changing time.
A Changing Perspective on Motherhood and Career
Moore’s decision to become a mother also brought with it concerns about the future of her career. In a conversation from five years ago, she had expressed worries about whether sponsorships would remain intact and how pregnancy might affect her status as a competitive surfer. However, she now feels a sense of validation. “All my sponsors are hanging in there with me through this transformation,” she said. “I still feel like I have so much to accomplish, just with a mini-me by my side.”
Reflecting on the decision to prioritize motherhood, Moore revealed that the choice to step back from the competitive tour was not easy. “There were moments where I questioned if it was the right decision. Do I miss competing on tour? Maybe, but I knew it was time for me to move forward. I didn’t want to miss out on being a mom.”
The Surf Industry and Support for Mothers
Moore also hopes to see more support for women in surfing at all stages of life. “It’s unrealistic to think we’re going to be young forever,” she remarked, noting that surfing is a sport that can last well into older age. “It’s about getting creative and finding stories that are relatable to people,” she added. The industry, she believes, needs to shift toward supporting women who, like her, want to continue participating in the sport even as they experience life changes such as motherhood.
Inspiration from Fellow Athletes
Moore credits women like Bethany Hamilton, Kelia Moniz, and other high-profile athletes in various sports for inspiring her to pursue motherhood while maintaining her athletic career. “It’s super inspiring to see women like Alex Morgan and Allison Felix continue to thrive in their sports after becoming mothers,” Moore said. These women, she believes, have paved the way for athletes like herself to embrace both motherhood and their professional aspirations.
The 2024 Olympics and Competing While Pregnant
One of the most remarkable aspects of Moore’s recent journey was her participation in the 2024 Olympics while pregnant. Competing at Teahupo’o, one of the world’s most challenging reefs, while carrying her future child was a surreal experience. “No one knew besides my husband and the event doctor,” Moore revealed. Despite battling early pregnancy symptoms, including nausea and fatigue, Moore approached the competition with a deep sense of purpose. “Competing in the Olympics was a huge dream of mine,” she said, acknowledging that though she didn’t perform as she had hoped, the experience was still valuable. “I gave it my best and got to share it with my daughter.”
Moore joked that her daughter might even hold the record for being the youngest Olympian ever. “I can’t wait to tell her about it,” she added with a smile.
Looking Ahead: Motherhood and Career
When asked if she would return to competition shortly after giving birth, Moore was firm in her response. “No, I wouldn’t. I want to give myself time to get to know my baby and find a rhythm,” she said. She emphasized the importance of giving herself the space to heal and bond with her child before considering a return to professional surfing. Reflecting on her previous experience of getting back in the water just four weeks after giving birth, Moore admitted that she wished she had taken more time to recover. “I think it set me back a bit,” she explained, acknowledging that patience will be key as she transitions into this new chapter of her life.
A New Perspective on Women’s Strength
Through her journey of pregnancy, Moore has gained a new appreciation for the challenges women face. “Going through all of this has really opened my eyes to appreciate what women go through even more than I did before,” she said. As she continues to prepare for motherhood, Moore’s story serves as a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the ever-evolving journey of being a female athlete.
Carissa Moore’s path to motherhood, filled with both challenges and triumphs, is a powerful reminder that women can redefine what it means to be an athlete, a mother, and a trailblazer, all while charting their own course in life.
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