Surf World Reacts to Carissa Moore's Retirement: 'Forever the Queen'

Shock, awe, and sadness reverberated around the surf world today, as Carissa Moore, 5x world champ and Olympic gold medalist, announced her retirement.

The Hawaiian surf star penned “A Love Letter to Surfing” that explained her decision, her plans for the future, and her final events as a full-time competitor – the 2024 Pipe Pro, the Tahiti Pro, and the Paris 2024 Games at Teahupo’o, Tahiti.

And of course, surf fans and surfing elite poured in with tributes to Riss.

Here’s a handful of selects from the 1,000-and-counting comments on Carissa’s social media retirement announcement:

“You’re incredible Riss ❤️ You’ve been inspiring me since we were kids. This is only the beginning, I can’t wait to see what you do next 🙌 Forever the Queen 👸🏄‍♀️” – Kai Lenny

“You have inspired me so much. Love ya 🙌 enjoy your moment” – Italo Ferreira

“no words! Just tears. Thank you for making women’s surfing evolve, grow, and inspire for the better. Thank you for making me do all the same. You are really one of a kind Riss. I’ll cherish our shared tour memories forever. Lots of love and happiness to you and the fam” – Tatiana Weston-Webb

“💖 I remember getting so many pro surfers autographs when I was younger but the only one who wrote something was you and it said “shoot for the stars” and I never forgot that 💖💖💖 love you Riss!!!! You are my favorite woman surfer of all time and you have been since day 1 !! I’ll always look up to you!!! Thank you for inspiring me and pushing me 🫶🏾 – Moana Jones Wong

“Such a champion always will be ! 🙌” – Nathan Florence

“What a ride Riss…. Inspired so many as a true champion in & out of the water. Excited to see where you take the next chapter! Thank you for everything you have done & continue to do for surfing 💛💛💛” – Ian Walsh

Grab the tissue box; the Lexus Pipe Pro kicks off January 29th.

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