Moore's return: family and five-time glory on the wsl tour
Carissa Moore, the five-time world surfing champion, has returned to the World Surf League tour, and the shift isn't just about her reclaiming her place atop the leaderboard—it’s about a fundamental shift in how the sport embraces parenthood. Moore, alongside a growing contingent of veteran surfers, is redefining what it means to be a professional athlete with a Family.
A new wave of family-friendly surfing
For nearly a decade, the WSL has seen working parents navigate the demands of the tour, but the recent changes—maternity wildcards, paternity leave, and even whispered talk of a dedicated 'creche'—represent a watershed moment. Connor O’Leary, a veteran himself, brought his one-year-old daughter Romii-Sakura to the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, a scene he described as a potent reminder of “the life that we live.” Seeing Romii playing with surfing legends like Kelly Slater, O’Leary admitted, was a perspective-shifter, highlighting the evolving landscape of professional surfing.
The changes aren't cosmetic; they're structural. Moore’s return, bolstered by a season-long wildcard, follows similar breaks taken by fellow champions Johanne Defay and Tatiana Weston-Webb. The WSL's decision to prioritize world titles and tour rankings for these wildcards speaks to a broader recognition of the demands placed on female athletes, particularly those starting families. This isn’t just about accommodating parents; it’s about retaining talent and ensuring women remain a vital force in the sport.
“I think it is a huge step in the right direction,” Moore stated after winning her first heat back at Bells Beach. “Not only for women in surfing, but for women in sport and women in general.” The Olympic gold medalist’s words echo a sentiment shared across the tour—a desire for a sport that acknowledges the whole athlete, not just the competitor.
The ripple effects extend beyond the women's tour. Paternity leave, allowing male surfers to request breaks of two events or a month without forfeiting ranking points, signals a commitment to supporting the entire surfing community. Jordy Smith, traveling with his two young children, exemplifies this new normal, illustrating a world where Family and competitive pursuit can coexist—even if it means waking up to a sick child before a crucial heat.
Sierra Kerr, one of Australia’s rising stars, practically grew up on tour with her father, former pro Josh Kerr, demonstrating that children raised in the surfing world often inherit a passion for the sport. While Smith is adamant about allowing his children to choose their own path, the presence of these young surfers on the tour underscores the potential for a new generation of talent to emerge from within the WSL Family.
O'Leary, reflecting on his journey, credits Romii with providing “an extra bit of motivation.” He notes, “It gives you a different perspective. Life is not all about competitive surfing.” This shift in perspective, from relentless pursuit of victory to a more balanced life, could ultimately prove to be the greatest gain for the sport—a testament to the idea that Family and fierce competition can, indeed, ride the same wave.