Blue Crush

November 6, 2014 | By Waikiki Magazine Team

Q & A with professional surfer Carissa Moore

O‘ahu native Carissa Moore, 22, is no stranger to Waikiki’s surf breaks. The recipient of 11 National Scholastic Surfing Association titles by the time she graduated high school, Moore swept the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Title in 2011. She boasts an outstanding résumé—one of Glamour magazine’s 2013 ‘Women of the Year,’ winner of the Women’s ASP World Championship in 2013, and, quite impressively, a 2014 inductee into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame. In town recently to judge Waikiki’s Red Bull Party Wave— Moore continues to ride high above the rest and live out her reputation as “the one who is going to change women’s surfing forever.”

What are your favorite surf spots in Waikiki?

My favorite surf spot in Waikiki is Queen’s. I have so many great memories of surfing there growing up.


What times of day or seasons are your favorites to surf?

I love surfing all year round, but summer swells are the best at Queen’s, Waikiki.

What surf brands do you enjoy?

Hurley apparel and swimwear and Mayhem surf-boards.

What other water sports and beach activities do you enjoy in Waikiki? Barbecuing, throwing the football, SUPing, longboarding, body surfing, swimming.

Favorite local food joints?

Koa Pancake House, Hale Vietnam, Blazin Steaks, Gina’s BBQ, Pupukea Grill.

Advice to aspiring female surfers?

If I were to give any advice to aspiring female surfers, it would be to just have fun. Embrace the wipeouts. You may fall down over and over again, but eventually you are going to ride that wave all the way to the beach, and that feeling is going to be totally worth it!

Aside from surfing, what are your hobbies?

Aside from surfing, I love hiking, working out, hanging out with my family and friends, decorating my house, scrap-booking.

What’s the best way to reward yourself after a long day of surfing?

My favorite way to reward myself after a long day of surfing is having a satisfying meal, going to bed early and spending time with my boyfriend.

What beach-friendly beauty products do you use?

It’s a 10 Leave-in Conditioner, Hawaiian Tropics After Sun Lotion, Vertra Sunscreen and Schick Hydro Silk Razors are a few of my favorite beach-friendly products.