Carissa Moore Shares Her Inspiring Story in a New Book

Carissa Moore’s newly released book is a love letter to the Islands told through the lens of surfing.

May 1, 2024

Brie Thalmann,

Soon, surf fans will be seeing a lot less of Carissa Moore out in the water, at least in the professional sense. In January, the five-time world champion announced that she’ll be retiring from competitive surfing after this summer’s Paris Olympic Games to pursue other passions and start a family. But fans can still get their Riss fix by snagging a copy of Moore’s new book Carissa Moore: Hawai‘i Gold, which offers a personal, behind-the-scenes look at the 31-year-old’s celebrated career and upbringing in the Islands.

Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli International Publications

From her very first paddle out as a keiki on O‘ahu’s south shore to winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal in surfing in 2020, Moore reflects on the rich lineage, cultural traditions, people and breaks that shaped her along the way. Much like the work she does through her charitable foundation, Moore Aloha, the book is intended to inspire the next generation of Hawaiian wave riders.

“It has always been a dream to use my experiences to help girls and women create a life of positivity, passion and purpose,” Moore said at a recent event. “I hope young female surfers, especially from Hawai‘i, feel a sense of connection, purpose and belonging to this place and our past. By understanding where we come from and all those who have paved the way, we can be empowered to move forward and chase our wildest dreams.”

The book also features a slew of contributions from members of Moore’s hui, including several members of her family and big names in the surfing world, such as Tom Pōhaku Stone, Kelia Moniz, Clyde Aikau, Keala Kennelly, Kai Lenny and John John Florence, who offer unique takes on what Hawai‘i means to them and how surfing has impacted their lives. And the book’s lineup of photographers is equally impressive. Thrilling action shots, dreamy oceanscapes and snippets of Island life captured by Zak Noyle, John Hook, Keith Kandell and more pull you right into Moore’s sun-drenched, salt air world.