Around The Islands: Sports
Surfing
A Real Prodigy
Webster's Dictionary defines prodigy as: "1. One with remarkable talents or powers. 2. An act or event so remarkable or rare as to inspire wonder. 3. An omen."
I think it's pretty safe to say that Carissa Moore can be considered a surf prodigy, after amassing more National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) titles in the 28-year history of the organization. The 14-year-old female has already collected a record-setting nine NSSA titles; and in March, she became the youngest surfer in history to reach the finals of a major World Championship Tour event. Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Kalani Robb, and Bobby Martinez hold the second most NSAA titles at seven.
In March, at the Roxy Pro in Coolangatta, Australia, Moore eliminated seven-time world champion Layne Beachley in the third round heat. She eventually lost in the finals to Australia's Chelsea Hedges, but not before she steamrolled second ranked (in the world) Megan Abudo and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Rookie of the Year, Rebecca Woods.
After reaching the finals at the Roxy Pro, Moore received an ASP No. 2 ranking, but she still managed to remain humble and expressed her gratitude for receiving the remarkable opportunity. "She's such a polite girl," said Layne Beachley. "When we were coming in she was like, 'thank you for surfing against me,' and I was like, thank you for smashing me!"
And to think, Moore can't even drive yet!…
Moore said: "I'm totally stoked for the turnout, and I'm just really happy for Chelsea (Hedges). She did awesome! Just being able to surf out at Snapper (Rock) with some of the best girls in the world, it was really nice."
Moore started surfing at age four, and she has been sponsored by Roxy since she was eight-years-old. The ninth grader at Punahou School seems destined for greatness, but for now she's content with just being your average teenager. "I just like hanging out with my family and friends. It's the thing I enjoy the most."
