Moore's return: family, wildcards, and a new wave for wsl
Carissa Moore, the five-time world surfing champion, isn't just back on the World Surf League tour; she’s redefining what it means to be a professional athlete. Her triumphant return at Bells Beach, with her infant daughter Olena in tow, signals a significant shift – one where parenthood and peak performance aren’t mutually exclusive.
A rising tide of family-friendly policy
For years, the WSL’s culture has been a demanding, globe-trotting affair, leaving little room for family. However, the recent appearance of children like Romii-Sakura O’Leary, Connor O’Leary’s one-year-old daughter, crawling amongst the pros – even receiving affection from surfing legends like Kelly Slater – is a stark visual representation of the change. This isn’t merely a trend; it’s a structural realignment, spurred by athletes and embraced (albeit belatedly) by the league itself.
Past champions like Lisa Andersen and Chelsea Hedges demonstrated it was possible to compete and win while raising families, but faced a far less supportive environment. Now, the introduction of a dedicated maternity wildcard and paternity leave—allowing surfers to request a two-event break or one month off with minimal ranking point penalties—is a game-changer. The WSL’s decision to grant Moore a season-long wildcard, alongside wildcards for Johanne Defay and Tatiana Weston-Webb, acknowledges the realities of modern athletes.
“I think it is a huge step in the right direction,” Moore stated after her opening heat victory. “Not only for women in surfing, but for women in sport and women in general. Looking at us as whole athletes, as people who are multidimensional, who want to start families, we never had that—that job security before.”
More than just a trend: a cultural shift
The evolving landscape extends beyond just policy changes. Jordy Smith, a South African veteran consistently ranked among the world's best, now travels with his two children, a testament to the league’s growing acceptance. Even Jack Robinson, with his toddler Zen and wife, is a regular fixture on the tour. O'Leary, narrowly avoiding dropping off the tour last year, credited his daughter with granting him a renewed focus and a better ability to manage the pressures of competition. “It definitely provides an extra bit of motivation,” he admitted. “I look at Romii and I want to be a good father figure, show her the discipline and the dedication.”
The WSL’s commitment to family extends further. Following the introduction of equal pay in 2018 and a fully integrated schedule in 2022, the league’s progressive evolution continues. While seasoned surfers like Smith caution against pushing their children towards a career in professional surfing, the presence of young talents like Sierra Kerr, who grew up on tour with her father, Josh Kerr, suggests a new generation of surfers may be shaped by this evolving environment.
The recent changes are not just about accommodating families; they’re about recognizing the full humanity of the athletes. Ultimately, the WSL is learning that a more supportive environment fosters greater longevity and, perhaps, even greater talent. The waves of change are here to stay.