Carissa Moore peeled off her pink Converse high top and set her feet, then hands in the wet concrete and signed her name with hearts for future passersby to read.
The 21-year-old Hawaiian surfer and two-time ASP world champion on Friday became one of the youngest surfers to be inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in front of Huntington Surf and Sport.
Friends, family and fans gathered at the event to watch Moore put her mark in concrete, alongside other famous surfers’ concrete slabs such as Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and Lisa Andersen.
“Carissa is obviously an amazing surfer, but I think what we’re all here to celebrate is Carissa as a person,” said Pat O’Connell, former pro surfer. So cheers to Carissa for being a great surfer, but better for the person you are.”
The event took place a week early because Moore is leading the ratings for another world championship, and next week’s regular induction ceremony happens when she might be in the water. Two other honorees, Huntington Beach’s Timmy Turner and San Diego shaper Rusty Preisendorfer, will be recognized at 10 a.m. on Aug. 1.
Inductees have contributed greatly to advance the sport of surfing, “whether it’s through their talent, innovation and/or contribution to the surfing culture,” said Aaron Pai, owner of HSS and founder of the Hall of Fame.
Moore has “power in her turns and power in her smile,” said Bob Hurley, founder of surfwear company Hurley, which sponsors Moore.
“It’s just the beginning of her journey,” Hurley said.
Moore said she never thought she’d receive this award so early in her career.
She gave special recognition to her father, Chris, who has helped guide her through the years.
“You’ve given me the time, your patience, your love and the gift of surfing,” she said. “You deserve to be in the Hall of Fame for best dad.”
Moore won world championships in 2011 and 2013, and at age 16, she won the Triple Crown of Surfing. She has won the U.S. Open of Surfing twice, in 2011 and 2013.
Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com
