Woman to Woman With Carissa Moore

Ari: What's up y'all. This is your girl Ari Chambers here with Team USA, and next to me is a freaking legend, a five-time world champion, and the first ever Olympic gold medalist for women's surfing, Carissa Moore. Carissa, there's something so special about water women. What empowers you most about being in that water?

Carissa: Oh, I don't know. I think for me it's all about it being the place that I feel most myself. I think the rest of the world kind of disappears. I often feel a little bit uncomfortable in my own skin on land, but in the ocean, it's a way that I can express myself and create, and I don't know, it just feels really good and joyful.

Ari: There's a lot to unpack there. So, as women it's really difficult sometimes for us to navigate the world in our changing bodies, that often society makes us feel a little uncomfortable. I know that you have overcome some body image issues and things like that. What is some advice to women out there who want to be comfortable in their skin that don't have access to water or that aren't athletes?

Carissa: I think you hit it right on the head. It's hard growing up in this world as a young woman and navigating all the different pressures. I think it's just important to know that there is no such thing as a perfect mold and that we all are feeling very similarly. So, I think just leaning on that and just knowing that, don't put so much pressure on yourself. Have more fun. Get out there and do things that scare you a little bit. And I think when you do those kinds of things, it's really empowering.

Ari: One thing about women in the water, it's just a different style. So, what is so special about being a woman on water, and why do you think that it helps you in the sport?

Carissa: When I first started surfing, I was one of one in the lineup as a woman. Now, when I go to any of my favorite spots at home, there's a handful of women or young girls, and sometimes there are more girls than boys. I think it's awesome to see more girls excited about the sport, excited to get in the water, excited to go out there and chase their dreams and their passions. It gives me a lot of strength. I just think it's special to see that women are coming together in the ocean.

Ari: Why is the ocean for us?

Carissa: I think the ocean's really for everybody. It's a very unique and beautiful place. It's very spiritual. It brings us back to ourselves and it connects us not only to the environment, but to, I think, our inner child sometimes. I think that that's what is really fun. It's about shedding all of those layers and getting back to just doing it because you love it and it brings you joy.

Ari: So, let's shed some layers and talk to a younger us. What is some advice that you would give to a younger you?

Carissa: I think the biggest piece of advice that I would give my younger self is to have more fun and not stress so much. Even today, I try to be perfect, but like I said, there is no such thing. So, I just don't compare myself. Joy is often stolen when we compare ourselves, so we can just stay in our own lane and know that we are here for a unique and beautiful purpose and to just be the best version of ourselves every day.

Ari: That's true. Comparison is the thief of joy. But, as you said, more women are becoming a part of this surfing community that we see that's becoming a little bit more mainstream. First of all, how do you feel about it becoming mainstream?

Carissa: I think it's amazing. I feel like I've been competing on the championship tour for 13 years now, and I am truly inspired by my peers and the women, the strong women, around me every day, not only in the water, but outside of the water. I think they're incredible role models. I just think it's a beautiful time to be a part of the sport as it keeps evolving and progressing and it's going to just keep going. It's just the coolest part.

Ari: As the sport keeps going, you're going to keep going too. What is the next goal that you have for yourself?

Carissa: Well, I'm really excited and feel very grateful to have qualified for the Olympics in 2024. So, that's definitely a big goal of mine, to just give myself the best chance at performing my best in Tahiti. That wave is, if you're a surfer you know this wave, is like no other in the world. If you can perform there,you get a lot of respect. So, I want to do my best and hopefully earn my spot and my respect.