Hawaii Gold with Carissa Moore

[00:00:00] Tyler: Hello, uh, welcome to Pilgrim Surf and Supply. My name is Tyler Brewer. I, uh, host a local surf podcast here called Swell Season, so if you want to go check it out, it's pretty good. It highlights lots of local people here, but we also once in a while bring in some well known people, kind of like this person sitting next to me here.

[00:00:21] She's kind of a big deal. She's got many leather bound books. Place smells of rich mahogany, apparently. Uh, Before we start though, I, I just want to first thank, uh, Martinka and Dom for organizing this whole thing, and Rizzoli Books, like Yeah, this book is amazing. And I also want to thank Chris at Pilgrim Surf and Supply here for hosting this awesome event.

[00:00:49] And also, thanks for lending me your megafish this morning. It was really fun and I really appreciate it. And if you missed it, I'm sorry. So our [00:01:00] guest here really needs no introduction But I figured it'd be kind of rude if I don't really give the full whole embarrassing introduction to make her turn red, so Our guest here, uh, she won 11 NSSA national titles.

[00:01:18] A record! Won the ISA World Junior title. 2010 ASP Rookie of the Year! I mean No big deal, but then the next year she had to go and win the world title. Making her the youngest world champ ever, both men and women, so Eat that Kelly Slater. Um, she won 31 CT events. She's also been awarded all sorts of accolades like National Geographic Adventure of the Year, Glamour Magazine's [00:02:00] Women of the Year, and of course, she did this little thing where she won this event called the Olympics and got gold, but

[00:02:12] But asides from the accolades, like, and aside from all the competitive achievements, Carissa has really proven to be Much more than just a competitive figure. She's been an incredible role model. She speaks so positively, so wonderfully about surfing, Hawaiian culture, and she's just one of the best representatives we could ever ask for as a surfing community.

[00:02:35] So like she goes beyond the competitive accolades. So it's, it's huge. And earlier this year, she shocked the world by, uh, penning this wonderful love letter to surfing, announcing her retirement. From the WSL and the letter was beautifully written. But what I thoroughly enjoyed about it is how relatable you are and how [00:03:00] you're able to, um, you know, make yourself expose your vulnerability.

[00:03:04] And I think that is What I think all of us here see in you is that relatability and that you are not this God like person who isolates himself but actually someone who we can see hanging out with or having to surf with or Being friends with and I think that is probably one of your strongest strongest strengths that sounds weird, but that is one of your strengths, I think and what makes you such an asset to our community and to surfing and Now you have this incredible book that, uh, you've come out with, with Rizzoli, aptly named Hawaiian Gold.

[00:03:42] And it's a beautiful tribute to Hawaiian culture and the people of Hawaii. So, everyone, let's give Carissa a big round of applause for

[00:03:53] Carissa: us. That was quite an introduction. [00:04:00] I'm a little overwhelmed. My head is going to be so big, it's going to be hard to carry home. so much. I really appreciate it.

[00:04:08] Tyler: I love to fluff up my guests, you know, and then tear them down, so don't worry.

[00:04:12] Carissa: Oh, it's coming.

[00:04:15] Tyler: How's retirement going, by the way?

[00:04:17] Carissa: Well, I don't like to use the word retirement. Um, more of a, you know, a little bit of a shift in evolution. Um, but so far, stepping away from competing full time on the championship tour has helped. been very joyful. Um, it feels obviously a little bit different.

[00:04:36] Um, I, I, I miss my friends. I miss, um, my village that I've created all over the world. I think that's been one of the most special parts about competing on this journey. Um, on the tour has been. The incredible friendships that have become family and, uh, Western Australia, that's where they are right now, competing, um, is one of my favorite places on tour, always has been, not only for the [00:05:00] raw, rawness of the nature there and the wildness of the waves, but how kind the community is there.

[00:05:06] Tyler: And the food. And the food is so good. I know you love food, so.

[00:05:09] Carissa: The wineries have good food. I'm not such a, a wine snob. I'm more of a food snob, so. I miss the food. Um, but overall, like I've, I'm excited. I'm excited about the new opportunities. What, what lies ahead in the future? Um, you know, I've, I wouldn't be here right now and getting to meet and talk to all of you.

[00:05:28] So this is super special and, um, I'm grateful and feel very thankful. I'm so fortunate that I have the opportunity to make a decision like this and still have incredible support and love from my sponsors, from the community, um, and I just want to say thank you for allowing me to transition and evolve and see who I am outside of the jersey.

[00:05:48] Tyler: Could there be any more humbler of a person? Come on.

[00:05:51] Carissa: Uh,

[00:05:54] Tyler: you know, I was going to save this question kind of towards the end, but I, I, I think we're like on this topic. Um, [00:06:00] What does retirement look like to you? Like I've been trying to imagine it and I'm like thinking, Oh, is she going to go the Torrin Martin, Dave Rostovich route and write alternative boards?

[00:06:09] Or are you going to go big wave surfing? Or are you starting a vlog? Like what does, what is retirement look like to you or what you imagine it to be? And signing all these books does not look like a retirement to me, I guess.

[00:06:23] Carissa: Um, you know what? It's. I don't have a plan and I'm learning that that's okay. Um, I, I have a, I mean, I, I am competing in the Olympics, um, in July and,

[00:06:41] um, I am also competing. I got the wild card to the Tahiti pro at the end of May.

[00:06:47] Tyler: As warmup, right?

[00:06:49] Carissa: I, yes, I'm, I'm very excited. So, um, I'm looking forward to both of those events. Um, I, if you know my story a little bit, I, I [00:07:00] started Charitable Foundation Moraloha and that is a passion project of mine. So I've been spending some time on that, and I really want to nurture that and see that grow.

[00:07:08] Um, I've been also working on a film project, um, kind of about my life. And, um, it's been a busy past five weeks. I have one more week of filming when I get home. And so, um, just a little bit more of an intimate look into my life. And I hope that it resonates with some of you. So, um, that will also be coming out later this year.

[00:07:28] Spending more time with my friends and family, um, and not living out of a suitcase most of the year. I actually just got back from Japan with my nana. She'd never been, and we got to see the cherry blossoms, and I didn't bring a surfboard. Like

[00:07:41] Tyler: Wow. What was that like traveling without What's it like traveling without a board for you?

[00:07:46] Carissa: What is it traveling without a dead body?

[00:07:48] Tyler: Yeah.

[00:07:48] Carissa: Um, it was Very weird, but kind of nice.

[00:07:54] Tyler: Do you feel naked? I always felt naked when I don't bring a board with me somewhere. I

[00:07:59] Carissa: did feel like [00:08:00] ah I went in the onsen like five times a day because I needed to get my gills wet.

[00:08:07] Tyler: I guess I want to really start off here First this book is stunning like you and the whole crew at Rizzoli have done a phenomenal job with this book and Like, it's a beautiful tribute to the place and the people you grew up around, and it's very well thought out. Like, there's a lot in there, and one of the questions I wanted to start with, actually, is What does being Hawaiian mean to you, as a person, as a character, as also a role model?

[00:08:42] Carissa: Put you on the

[00:08:42] Tyler: spot.

[00:08:44] Carissa: That is, that's a very like, it's a big question. Yes. Um, what does it mean to be Hawaiian? Um, I don't know. I think it's an accumulation of so many things. Um, I feel like it's [00:09:00] the people, it's the places, it's the waves. I wouldn't be the woman or athlete I am today without my community and my family.

[00:09:08] And that goes beyond blood. It's like, I wrote about it in my book. beginning piece that it's about like everyone I see every day from the people who check me out at food land to my lady, male lady Lola to Justin, who does his yard work 24 7, um, just down the street from me. Um, but I'd really like it is about community.

[00:09:28] It's about the aloha spirit. It's about treating people with that unconditional love and respect. And, um, I'm just like super proud. I'm super proud to be from Hawaii. I'm, I am proud to be a Hawaiian surfer and a female from Hawaii as well. So yeah, just filled with gratitude from for the place that has raised me.

[00:09:47] Tyler: Do you was Hawaiian culture at front and center for you growing up? Was that always prevalent? Or was it something that you kind of discovered more and more as you got older.

[00:09:59] Carissa: I [00:10:00] think it's something that I have, uh, discovered more so recently. Um, I mean, I grew up in Hawaii. I passed the Duke statue every day before I would go go surfing.

[00:10:11] Um, we made lays, I danced hula in, um, elementary school. Um, you know, you learn things here and there, but, um, it wasn't until like The Olympic journey, um, that I really felt a deeper connection to my roots and my heritage and my culture and surfing being Hawaii sport and learning more about our icons and our legends, like Duke Konamoku, um, and how much like he's done for the world, not only Hawaii.

[00:10:38] And so, um, yeah, it's been, it's been really cool.

[00:10:41] Tyler: It, so I imagine like with this book, it, it must've been like quite a journey for you as well. And. You know first, I'm curious like how you picked the the contributors to this book How did what was that process like did you know immediately off to your top of your head like I need [00:11:00] Tom Stone I need you know Cliff Capono like I need these people or was it Something that you kind of was more of like a journey for you with finding these people to contributed

[00:11:10] Carissa: It was definitely a journey and I have to say it was a team effort with Martinka and Don.

[00:11:15] We put together a huge list of like the dream list, right? Like of all the people we'd want and then we'd reach out and be like, Would you like to be a part of the book? And for the most part, people really wanted to, but there was a few that were a little, maybe not on the fence. Um, but I wanted to, these are all people that I deeply admire and deeply respect and are, um, Like so much a part of our history.

[00:11:37] Um, not only past, but present and are leading and paving the path for future generations. And I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate like Surfing as Hawaii sports, um, Hawaii is a beautiful place as a strong place full of power and mana. And I don't, it hasn't, we were talking about it, it hasn't been done.

[00:11:56] And so, um, it was pretty like, you know, they [00:12:00] came to me and they were like, Hey, we'd love to do a book with you. And, um, I was obviously so honored and so flattered, but I was like, Hey, like let's use this to like shine light on. You know, the gold of Hawaii, like this, this moment is for all of us.

[00:12:15] Tyler: Do you, do you think that you learned making this book?

[00:12:19] What did you learn about Hawaiian culture while making this book? I'm curious, like, were there things that popped out to you or things that you weren't aware of? Uh, that you saw maybe in the writings or talking to some of these people?

[00:12:33] Carissa: Oof, um, I learned a lot. I learned a lot through the process. But I think what stood out to me the most, um, I mean obviously I felt it so much growing up in Hawaii, but just the, how people show up for each other in Hawaii, and how, how strong the community is, and that really is Aloha.

[00:12:51] Like, that's That is, that is it. And I, like, this book is Aloha in pages, page form. So, um, I thought that was really beautiful.

[00:12:59] Tyler: [00:13:00] So, now you, you, you were just saying, like, how the Olympics really kind of spurred this, like, rediscovery, I guess, of Hawaiian culture for you, uh, to a certain extent. And I'm curious, like, what about the Olympics did that for you?

[00:13:15] Was it the gravity of the fact that, you know, I mean, this is really interesting, actually. Duke Kahanamoku was the first one to advocate for surfing to be in the Olympics. And then the first, you know, person to win the gold at the Olympics is a Hawaiian surfer. And I'm curious, like, then, what that, that did for you.

[00:13:32] Was it, did someone say to you, like, hey, you got to represent Hawaii? Or was the weight of, of representing Hawaii, You just took that on, I guess.

[00:13:44] Carissa: Well, it's so interesting. I guess I like didn't really, I didn't really know what to expect. Surfing being in the Olympics for the first time. I, I was like, Oh, maybe it'll just be like another world tour event.

[00:13:53] And I was so wrong. Um, but it was, it was really cool because it's. Started coming up in [00:14:00] conversations, and I had no idea, actually, about the fact that, you know, Duke Kahanamoku, this was his dream, was to see surfing in the Olympics, and it was a hundred years ago. Uh, it was actually my coach from South Africa, Duncan Scott, and he was the first one.

[00:14:11] He was like, you know, this would be pretty cool if it all worked out. And I was like, Oh, no way. I had no idea. And then, you know, there's so much media that comes along with the Olympics and just, I felt like. There were so many questions and it really got me thinking like, what is this moment about, you know, and how can I use this platform that's a little bit bigger than what I'm used to to shed light on where I come from and honor those who have come before.

[00:14:37] And, um, hopefully make our people proud.

[00:14:41] Tyler: There was conversations between you and John John, I believe, leading up to it about how you can represent Hawaii. And I know there was like discussion. So for, for some of you who may not be aware, like. You know, in, in, on the world tour, Hawaii is almost considered its own entity outside of the United [00:15:00] States, but for the Olympic purposes and the, the IOC and the ISA, you know, they've, they've grouped it together and there was some controversy, I don't want to say controversy, but there was discussion about how you could represent Hawaii there and whether you could put a flag on your, your rash guard or on your board or whatever.

[00:15:19] And, and I was curious, like what those conversations were like and how you. You guys navigated that and approach that that conversation.

[00:15:29] Carissa: Yes. I mean, it's, it is a, I'm sad that I can't wear the Hawaiian flag on my sleeve, but I'm so proud to be an American and where the U United States of America flag on my shoulder.

[00:15:40] I always wear the Hawaiian flag on my heart and I felt like John and I and other people from Hawaii are always able to shed light on it. Just didn't through the conversations, how we carry ourselves. Um, and, uh, Yeah, even though I wasn't able to like actually visibly see it, there's a way through our actions and our words that [00:16:00] we're able to represent the Aloha spirit.

[00:16:02] Tyler: So this book, like, it, it, you know, what I love about it is it articulates so much, but there's this one aspect that I really enjoyed. And there's this story, um, you know, one of the things I enjoy about Hawaiian culture in general, I've done some studying on it, by no means an expert, bit of a Ninoa Thompson fanboy, that's about it, you know, with Hokulea, for some of you who know, but, um, you know, Hawaiian culture treated women equally, and in surfing particularly you were considered equals, right?

[00:16:41] And you had your queens who surfed, and there was this wonderful story in the book, uh, Uh, about Nakaku, Nakaku, Nakaku, I think I'm totally butchering the name, I'm very sorry. I got the Long Island accent.

[00:16:56] Carissa: You're doing great. Ruining

[00:16:58] Tyler: it. [00:17:00] But there is this whole story about how she came to Maui for surf competitions in the late 1800s and beat all the men, right?

[00:17:08] And I find it interesting how it's taken, Almost over a hundred years to really catch up to that now. And I was hoping you could speak a little bit about like gender equality and surfing and how you've seen it change and grow and how important it was. To have that represented in this book.

[00:17:29] Carissa: Oh, um, it's such an exciting time to be a part of women's sports in general.

[00:17:35] I mean, whoo. It's so cool. Um, I am, I'm really proud that I've been able to be a part of like the evolution and the progression of women's surfing at this time. And, um, you know, when I first started surfing, sometimes I was the only girl in the lineup. And now when I go to one of my local spots, sometimes there's more girls than boys.

[00:17:57] And that's pretty rad. [00:18:00] Um, it's cool to see more young girls. empowered to chase their dreams and be fearless and do things that, you know, there, there isn't a limit. Um, it's, it's incredible. I am, I'm like, I don't even know how, how high the ceiling is now. Like it's, it's, it's limitless. It's going to be so cool.

[00:18:19] Um, But, uh, yeah, I'm really, it's been, I feel so fortunate to have witnessed like equal pay, equal opportunity. Um, there were definitely times when the wind switched and it got really bad that they're like, send the girls out. And it isn't like that anymore, you know? And I think that we've been able to follow that up with our performances and we're getting more and more respect for our athleticism and, um, just the excitement behind us has, I think really, you know, pushed us and empowered us to go even harder.

[00:18:47] Tyler: I, I'm a firm believer in. You need to see it to believe it, almost. And what you guys have done, like, at Pipeline, it's incredible. Like, the, I don't know if you guys watched the Pipe Masters, you know, unfortunately, [00:19:00] you were given really bad conditions in your geek, but we won't talk about that. Um, But the performance level has like quadrupled from last year and the year before.

[00:19:11] And I've always just felt, women just need time out there. That's really it.

[00:19:15] Carissa: Yeah, the time and the opportunity. I mean, what's crazy is like, I, when I was just starting off on the tour, we didn't have waves like Tia Hu Po and Pipeline on the tour. So there really wasn't that motivation to get out there. I mean, to succeed.

[00:19:29] Spend your time out at Pipe and maybe catch one wave in two hours. Like to do that over and over again, that's hideous, you know, but to have to know that you have to, because you're competing out there. It's like, okay, I got to do it. Um, and I'm just like, I think with those events, I mean, you've already seen it this past winter.

[00:19:46] I was so inspired watching what like Katie Simmers and Molly Picklem and Betty were doing out there. And they're. 17, 18, 19 years old, I was like, not doing that stuff, you know, I'm just scratching the surface now, and I'm like, how can I [00:20:00] keep up? So, um, I'm super inspired and, um, yeah, it's, it's, it's gonna be really cool to see where this, where they take the sport.

[00:20:09] Tyler: I remember, uh, a contest in San Miguel. You must have been maybe 16 or 17, I think. And you, uh, competed against the men's and won three rounds. Daniel Thompson was one of her scalps. Heads up. Uh, but I think, like, that's, like, the thing also is, like, just being able to mix it up with, uh, The men and being able to like raise your performance.

[00:20:38] That's how you improve by doing that too. And like, it's incredible. And I just saw like that symmetry with that story in the book. And then I see it in you and it's like. going circular, almost.

[00:20:52] Carissa: Well, thank you so much. Um, yeah, no, do the do stuff that scares you. Um, don't be afraid to fail. Um, I [00:21:00] been failing a lot lately, and I'm still going.

[00:21:03] Um, thanks, guys. But yeah, that's when we learn the most about ourselves, I think. And that's where we see the most growth. That's where we discover our strength, our resilience. So, um, yeah, I can just encourage you keep, keep going because I'm keep, I'm keeping on going.

[00:21:25] Tyler: So I want to dive into more Aloha here.

[00:21:29] So in, in 2018, you were experiencing a mental low, uh, and we're struggling with, to find passion and purpose in your surfing and surf career. And your dad encouraged you to, um, Ground yourself by giving back and renew and I'm just curious like can you discuss like what more aloha is? How it's used to help women and girls and you know, what your future plans are for it.

[00:21:57] Like, where do you see it going?

[00:21:59] Carissa: [00:22:00] Yeah, well, thank you. I'm very excited to share with you a little bit about my charitable foundation more Aloha, which means more love I started it like he said in 2018 and I was in a kind of a low professionally and personally and like Like you mentioned just that my dad was like, Hey, like, you know, if you, if you giving back, I don't know, brings me a lot of joy.

[00:22:25] And so that's where this came from is what, where's their need. And I felt like there weren't that many opportunities for young girls at that, you know, to come together in a safe space where they could share and encourage each other. I think there's so much. So much strength and vulnerability and in community and in mentorship.

[00:22:42] And so how can I provide those tools and resources for females, um, to navigate womanhood, navigate the pressures that are put on us by society. It's tricky. It is a lot going at us every single day. So, um, I, we, we, I try to hold like five to six in [00:23:00] person events every year that target 24 to 30 participants.

[00:23:04] And I use surfing, um, hula. the Hawaiian culture to inspire, um, you know, and empower the girls. And, um, we also do like workshops. We did a fearless workshop just of like about a month or two ago in Lahaina. Uh, we helped the girls from affected by the, Fires and we talked about what it means to be fearless.

[00:23:27] And I think overcoming fear is a little bit unrealistic. It's about how can we face them and live with our fear? Um, and I think a big thing for them is this idea of change and how do we face change? Because change can be really scary. Yes, I'm dealing with that right now. So, um, yeah, I think it, for me, it's just sharing hopefully what I've been through.

[00:23:49] Maybe there's. It's something that someone can take from my experiences that can help them on their own journey. And if I can inspire others to live with a little bit more kindness and compassion, [00:24:00] even the smallest bit of kindness can go a long way.

[00:24:04] Tyler: What are you doing right now to help deal with all the changes that you're kind of going through?

[00:24:08] Are there like any rituals or practices that you do that that help to kind of push through or to help you realize, like, This is change, but it's good change.

[00:24:19] Carissa: I've been reading a lot of inspirational quotes No, I Actually, I have a psychologist that I talked to quite a bit And I journal almost every day.

[00:24:34] I downloaded the headspace app.

[00:24:36] Tyler: Oh, it's good. So I try to do five to ten

[00:24:44] Carissa: So I try to do five to ten minutes every day to get my money's worth. Um, No, I have a really great, um, like, support crew, including my dad and my husband. Ooh, shout out to the husband. Yes. Yes. Is he [00:25:00] here, by the way? He's not. I wish you could have met him. He's actually in Molokai. We have a little place in Molokai to get away.

[00:25:06] So he's putting solar panels on the house. Who knew he could do that?

[00:25:13] Tyler: I, I, I want to actually talk about your husband a little bit. Like, um, No, like, I'm, I'm always curious with people who are extremely focused on And, and, and ambitious and are really going for a goal and how do they balance like that passion and that drive with the relationships around them? It's always something that I'm always very curious about, like, how do you manage those things?

[00:25:39] And, and how does that communication work between you and him?

[00:25:45] Carissa: Well,

[00:25:46] Tyler: sorry, no, no, I love to lay down on the couch right away.

[00:25:50] Carissa: I love talking about my husband. I don't know if you can tell but I just lit up. Um, he makes me so happy and he's [00:26:00] just like the most selfless loving kind. Just awesome human I've ever met.

[00:26:05] Uh, we are high school sweethearts. But yeah, like you mentioned, communication is key and just prioritizing, you know, I think for me, even just like the little, like little things, like leaving a note if I leave early to go surf and, or a text message, just the acknowledgement, you know, if he does the dishes or takes out the trash, like it, it means a lot, you know, understanding each other's love language as well, um, um, is super important, but, um, Yeah, I wouldn't be able to do what I do if I didn't have him because I'm crazy like I am crazy you guys I Think see like I'm can we explore this

[00:26:41] Tyler: a bit more like?

[00:26:45] Chrissy you're always so like Well, you're like always up and up in your interviews and I kind of just want to see a crack where you're like F bomb or something, you know? There's

[00:26:56] Carissa: kids

[00:26:56] Tyler: here, so we won't use those words. But can you just show us some [00:27:00] anger here? Do you get angry?

[00:27:02] Carissa: Oh, I get angry. Let's talk about the 24 hours after the finals.

[00:27:07] Can we? Can we? I'm just saying, you know, I'm just saying, you know, If I didn't care, I wouldn't You know, show that much emotion, but obviously I really care. And when you come so close to a goal and you put everything you have into it, there's definitely like this different, this period, Luke knows it well.

[00:27:26] And he knows in that 24 hour period, don't tell her that she did anything wrong. It's the judges. It's the conditions. It was everything but her. So, uh, kind of

[00:27:37] Tyler: bogged on that turn, but

[00:27:40] Carissa: I'm like sleeping on the couch. Yeah. Don't say that. Shut up. But, um, no, I think what's. I will be sharing a little bit more of that in my film.

[00:27:48] Tyler: There you go, Mr. Brissick. I got her to crack a little bit.

[00:27:54] Um, I guess, like, then, the other thing I kinda, I'm [00:28:00] curious about now is then, like, You know, where do you see professional surfing going in the future? Like, what is, what would you like to see happen, uh, to the world tour? Um, besides banning the finals event, but, um, Like, where do you want to see professional surfing go, particularly for women?

[00:28:21] Carissa: I didn't say that you did. But, um, no, no, honestly, um, I think the World Surf League has done a lot of things right and they've given us all a platform, a bigger platform. Like, I don't think that there'd be as many young girls in the water right now if it wasn't for them. For the broadcast and their ability to put a good show together.

[00:28:39] So I have to applaud them on that. And just the team of people behind that, um, I haven't really thought too much about the future since I'm, I literally just stepped away. Um, but I just, um, I, I pray for joy. I just, that's, that's what surfing's about and what it should always be about, is joy. I thought

[00:28:59] Tyler: it [00:29:00] was praying for waves.

[00:29:00] Well, I pray for that too.

[00:29:02] Carissa: I pray for waves too. We, we definitely need some of that. Um, I felt like this Especially here on the East Coast. Um, but I do feel like professional surfing is in good hands with the athletes that you have right now. And, um, Yeah, I, I just, um,

[00:29:19] Tyler: Do you, do you foresee a day when you will see mixed gender competing, maybe?

[00:29:25] Do you think?

[00:29:26] Carissa: Maybe, that would be fun, that would be fun to watch. I think,

[00:29:29] Tyler: I think it would be amazing, and I think it would really elevate both surfing, and I don't think we're that far off.

[00:29:38] Carissa: Yeah, I love that idea.

[00:29:40] Tyler: Yeah, let's make that happen. Uh, I want to talk just briefly and then we'll go into Q& A with some of the people here But I'm I'm also really curious about your father, right?

[00:29:51] So I have a fun story about him. So I met your dad A while ago now, he came through New York, you were doing something [00:30:00] in the city, and he wanted to go surfing. So someone called me up and they're like, hey Tyler, can you take Karissa's dad surfing? So he was with a female friend, and we went out to the beach, it was just after Hurricane Sandy, and so everything was kind of a mess, and he wanted to see it.

[00:30:15] He went out and the waves were dog poop, like, awful. And he just was so keen. And it was cold, too, like, boots, gloves. And he didn't have gloves. I had some boots for him and that was it. And paddled out. He lost his GoPro. And then Andrew Kidman shows up with his family, which is really random and kind of a weird mix, almost.

[00:30:38] And then I had to drive all of them back in my little Honda Fit hatchback. It was your dad, his female friend in the front seat, Kidman, his wife, and the two kids in the back. And the car was like kinda touching the ground almost. And it was a really weird conversation too with Kidman. And, you know, your dad, they're like total opposite people.

[00:30:58] But it was really fun. [00:31:00] So anyway, that was my little story about your dad. I just wanted to share that.

[00:31:03] Carissa: Well, thank you for taking care of

[00:31:04] Tyler: him. Yes, he was lovely. He was lovely. He was a really, really nice person. And, um, I guess my question I wanted to ask you is When did Or, how were you and your father able to decide where the line of him being a coach and him being a father was?

[00:31:21] And was that line moving or was that something that you, you guys worked towards?

[00:31:27] Carissa: We're still working on it. Uh, yeah, but at the, at the Pipe Pro, I got very upset because he said something at not the most, Not opportune moment, but you know, we're, we're learning. And I think that's, what's so beautiful about the relationship is it's imperfect, but it's with my dad and I would not want to be doing it with anybody else.

[00:31:51] And he's been there from the beginning. And I think that that speaks volumes about the character that, and what's important to him and meaningful to him is his [00:32:00] presence in my life. It has been constant and he's been my biggest cheerleader throughout the whole thing. And as his daughter, like that is the greatest gift.

[00:32:07] I'm so grateful, um, I've learned so much from him and just his, like, outlook on things. It's been so unexpected, just unexpected, out of the box, and I think that's really been something that's helped me in my competitive career.

[00:32:22] Tyler: For all the parents out here, how would you tell them how to get involved or be involved with their kid's surfing life?

[00:32:29] I'm sure there's a few of you out here.

[00:32:31] Carissa: I just lead with love. I mean, it's not always going to be perfect, like I said, but as long as you're coming from a place of love. You'll figure it out. You'll figure it out.

[00:32:42] Tyler: So, I want to open it up to the audience here. If you have any questions you'd like to ask Carissa, I will, uh, be repeating it, though, because it, uh, we are recording for a podcast, so with us.

[00:32:55] Uh, anyone got any questions for Karissa? Yes. [00:33:00] What world title has meant the most to you, Karissa? And why?

[00:33:06] Carissa: They've all been really special. Um, I think that my third world title was the most special because I won it at home. It was the first time we finished at Honolulu Bay and all of my family and friends got to be there, including my mom.

[00:33:24] And my mom and I. We went through a rough patch, uh, during high school and, um, it took a little bit of time for us to like reconnect. And so to have her there was a really full circle moment. And I think I got a 10 in the final and the waves were pumping and it was just like, Oh, it was how you would want to win as an athlete.

[00:33:45] Yeah.

[00:33:46] Tyler: I would love to see someone just be like, Yeah, number four was kind of shit. I didn't really deserve to win it. I hope you

[00:33:51] Carissa: didn't come across that way. No, no, no,

[00:33:53] Tyler: you didn't. But one day I want to see like someone do that. That would be great. Like Kelly did be like, Yeah, you know what? Two kind of, [00:34:00] eh.

[00:34:01] Who's got another question here? Yes, down on the floor.

[00:34:09] Carissa: Your

[00:34:10] Tyler: sunscreen routine. What is your sunscreen routine? After all your years in the sun, like,

[00:34:15] Carissa: you're glowing in the sun. I'm sure we all want to know. That's my first question. Then I have another quick one.

[00:34:20] Tyler: What's your second quick one, too?

[00:34:22] Carissa: One of the things, one of the many things I love about you is that you surf.

[00:34:26] I'm going to get emotional again. Sorry. She's getting a little verklempt. A little spilkus. You surf with all your

[00:34:38] You're wearing bracelets, and I think you wear a Saint Christopher medal. I do,

[00:34:41] Tyler: too. And I would just love to hear you talk about your journey. Oh my god. Talk amongst yourselves. I'm gonna give you a topic, Partridge family. I am too, we know, we can see.

[00:34:56] Carissa: Well, first of all, thank you so much. Um, I actually have been starting to [00:35:00] notice a few more wrinkles lately, but you know what, it's okay.

[00:35:03] Um, but I use Sun Bum sunscreen. They're wonderful, and they smell really good. And also, I want to thank my Hawaiian blood, because I think that helps with the sun. Um, and then my jewelry, oh my gosh, yes. I kind of, I wear all my jewelry surfing.

[00:35:20] Tyler: Who makes it? Who's it by?

[00:35:23] Carissa: Um, I don't know.

[00:35:26] Tyler: Wait, you don't have a jewelry sponsor?

[00:35:27] No, so what's really

[00:35:28] Carissa: cool about Hawaiian bracelets is usually they're passed down. Oh, wow. So I have a bracelet from my mom that she gave me, I think, for my 21st birthday. And then the other one has her name on it that my dad had given her. So I think that they're really, like, I hope to pass it down to my kids one day.

[00:35:45] Tyler: I love that. Uh, I'm gonna ask one more question here. Anyone else? Yes. Anyone? No? Yeah? Yes. Justin J. Legendary podcaster. What do we want here? [00:36:00] And photographer. Photographer. But he's got a great podcast. The Plug. I'm plugging it. It's good. I'm just

[00:36:05] Carissa: curious, at what point when you were surfing in the Olympics did you, did you realize that gravity is so much bigger?

[00:36:13] I don't think

[00:36:24] the gravity of the Olympics actually hit me until like, A year after.

[00:36:29] Tyler: Wow.

[00:36:30] Carissa: It

[00:36:31] Tyler: wasn't the Spectrum that did that wonderful commercial with the little girl watching you? Like, that to me, that was the best.

[00:36:40] Carissa: No, thank you so much. No, I, yeah, I didn't really, like, realize it, um, until really long after. Like, I think it's just even starting to set in even more now.

[00:36:52] Okay, wait, maybe neat fact. I think it really set in when they painted that giant mural.[00:37:00]

[00:37:03] Because I was like, holy, holy shit, that thing is huge! You're

[00:37:08] Tyler: like, I look like that? No,

[00:37:09] Carissa: I was just like, oh my gosh, are you serious? Um, no, that was really, really special. And to have that in my hometown was obviously like, I was like, wow, that's really cool. So

[00:37:25] Yeah, I think like the contest venue was huge, but there was no one there. So it didn't feel like that big. Um, what was really different was they had this like snake line of media that you had to go through. I saw Selema in that line, um, after like every heat. And then like, also it was different was that we had to stand on the beach and get announced before we started.

[00:37:48] Paddled out and I was like we really need to rethink this because they had us like running to get out to the to the Water like they should have given us a little bit more time, but that's something that we [00:38:00] don't get at WSL events, too

[00:38:04] Tyler: Well, um charisma I am so stoked that we were able to have you here and you got to see this awesome community Do you have any plans ever to come back and surf here?

[00:38:17] Carissa: Oh, after seeing what, like, amazing of a community there is, I would love to come back. I would, I would love to.

[00:38:26] Tyler: Let's do it. Everyone. Again, like many of you got in this book. I'm super stoked. You all got this book and you're here. Listeners who are listening to us on the podcast. Buy this book. It is so good.

[00:38:42] Like I'm really, I'm not just blowing smoke. Like it really, um, it's a beautiful tribute to surfing and Hawaiian culture. And you have all the right people, uh, contributing to it, giving great historical perspective, great now perspective of what Hawaiian culture is. And [00:39:00] I'm, it's awesome. And you should be super proud of it.

[00:39:03] And, uh, just want to thank you again for this. And, uh, do you have any. Last words or plugs or anything that you want to talk about real quick before we cut off.

[00:39:14] Carissa: Um, just want to thank you all for coming and showing up for being so patient as I sign books and talk to everybody, um, for the support and purchasing the book.

[00:39:24] Um, I did want to mention that, um, my portion will be going towards more Aloha so you can feel like you're making a positive impact on the community. Um, and I also want to say thank you to Rizoli, Martinka and Dawn, uh, the whole team there. Uh, it takes a village. The contributors, the photographers, um, to who have helped to weave this story together.

[00:39:43] It's been a really special process and to have something that is tangible and that will live forever. I, I love it. I love photos. I love scrapbooking. I am so proud of how the book turned out and I, like I said earlier, I just hope it brings you joy.

[00:39:57] Tyler: Carissa Moore, everyone! [00:40:00] Stand up! Standing ovation!

[00:40:20] She'll be now signing books again.