Carissa Moore releases debut book, “Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing”.Photo:Zak Noyle
Zak Noyle
Carissa Mooreannouncedshe’s “stepping away” from competitive surfingin January. Now, she’s learning to ride — and navigate — a wave of a different kind.
About one month after sharing the news, Moore — thefirst-ever Olympic surfing gold medalistand a five-time world champion — tells PEOPLE her decision to step back from the World Surf League “definitely already sunk in,” but she’s “enjoying the ride” nonetheless.
The Hawaii native, 31, has been surfing since age five at her home break at Waikiki Beach on O’ahu’s South Shore. She then went on to win her first world title at age 19, marking the beginning of one remarkable ride.
But letting go of the surfboard rails and learning to trust her abilities in the water was a progression, as is Moore’s most recent life transition. However, she tells PEOPLE there’s “so much to look forward to” and she’s “focused on all the exciting things ahead.”
Photo of Carissa Moore getting barreled, featured in her new book “Carissa Moore: Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing”.Todd Glaser
Todd Glaser
While she was in part referring to spending more time with family, in addition to competing in a few remaining surf events before officially stepping away from the sport (one of them being the 2024 Paris Olympics to defend her gold medal), Moore’s stoked on a new milestone: making her book debut.
TitledCarissa Moore: Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing, the Rizzoli-published book is the athlete’s tribute to her home told from her perspective through personal stories, alongside contributions from several fellow Hawaiian surf legends.
“It just doesn’t feel like me to make a book all about myself,” Moore tells PEOPLE. “I would like to use this moment and this platform to celebrate Hawaii — this magical and special place, the people and the waves that have shaped and raised me as a human being and as a surfer.”
Moore called on notable Hawaiian surfers and cultural figures to share their perspectives on growing up on the islands and the connection they have with surfing in Hawaii, the birthplace of the sport. “It’s not a one person show — we’re all in this together,” she says.
“Carissa Moore: Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing” book cover.Courtesy of Rizzoli USA
Courtesy of Rizzoli USA
Hawaiian icons like the Aikaus, tour pros likeJohn John Florenceand big wave innovators like Laird Hamilton andKai Lennyare among those who tell their story. Moore’s “peers” — Malia Manuel, Coco Ho andBethany Hamilton, all of whom helped revolutionize women’s surfing — are also included.
“I believe that it takes a village. I think we’re all a part of this extremely beautiful story of Hawaiian surfing. It’s not just me. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t all the people that have come before me,” says Moore.
“I hope everyone from Hawaii that reads it feels like I did our home and our people and our community justice,” she continues. “I hope that this story, hopefully, pays respect to the right people and I hope everyone feels included.”
Photo of a surf paddle out, featured in book “Carissa Moore: Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing”.Tom Servais
Tom Servais
“There have been so many amazing contributors,” says Moore in reference to the photographers who helped bring the book to life. “I grew up with surf magazines, things that were tangible, and they’ve all gone poof! They deserve to live somewhere eternally, forever.”
Even the gold foil on the book’s front cover “shimmers with a rainbow if you put it in the right light,” Moore points out. “I just wanted it to spark joy because when I think of home, it makes me feel warm and smile.”
Photo of five-time world champion surfer Carissa Moore paddling out into the lineup, featured in “Carissa Moore: Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing”.Dayanidhi Das/World Surf League/Getty
Dayanidhi Das/World Surf League/Getty
The book hits shelves on April 2, though timing was coincidental in Moore’s career timeline: announcing her step back from competitive surfing in January, before teasing the book a few days later.
Moore viewed the book as “a little bright spot” during her big transition.
“A little rainbow that was a reminder that I’m on the right path,” she adds. “It feels good. I’m just in a different space right now… I can’t say I’m a hundred percent confident.”
But just like the little girl who hopped on her surfboard for the first time at age five, Moore says with confidence: “But I’m getting there, and I’m feeling my way through.”
source: people.com
