Carissa Moore Wins Beachwaver Maui Pro with Perfect 10

Carissa Moore (HAW). PHOTO: © WSL / Cestari SOCIAL : @wsl @kc80.

Three-time World Surf League Champion, Carissa Moore of Hawaiʻi won the Beachwaver Maui Pro on Tuesday, with a perfect 10-point ride in the final heat of the season.

The event is the final stop on the 2018 World Surf League Women’s Championship Tour and was held at Honolua on Maui.

Moore clinched her 20th CT victory and her third at Honolua Bay, and rounds out the season at No. 3 on the Jeep Leaderboard.

“It’s so special,” said Moore. “My whole family came over and the waves were perfect. Probably the best competitive day I’ve had in my life and just to finish off the season like that is so good. I’m so in love with everything in my life right now. My support crew, surfing and I’m so grateful for the WSL. I’m speechless right now.”

Carissa Moore. PHOTO: © WSL / Cestari SOCIAL : @wsl @kc80.

“It was a dream come true to get a 10,” continued Moore. “There was so much emotion at that point, I just started crying and I can’t thank the locals enough for letting us surf your beautiful wave. I’ll definitely take some time off to soak it in. Nothing beats winning in the ocean in perfect surf. The Surf Ranch was awesome, but this is pretty sweet. I’m just loving what I’m doing and so fired up. I’m excited for next year and stoked for Steph (Gilmore), it’s been a big event and a big year and everyone deserves some time off.”

Carissa Moore (HAW) and Malia Manuel (HAW). PHOTO: © WSL / Cestari SOCIAL : @wsl @kc80.

Malia Manuel also of Hawaiʻi finished runner-up for the second consecutive year. The result, Manuel’s best of the year, sees her move up to ninth place on the Jeep Leaderboard and secure her place on the Championship Tour for 2019.

“It’s such an honor to share the stage with Steph (Gilmore) and Carissa (Moore), two of the best surfers of my generation,” Manuel said. “I’m happy to be here and having an event at home, and having my friends from Kauai here is so lovely. I’m feeling a lot of good vibes right now. I have a new spark in me now that I’ve qualified for the Tour next year. I’ve got a lot of plans. Sally (Fitzgibbons) had a tough day yesterday but she’s an animal. I knew she was going to want to surf even with the injury. We’re both just looking forward to next year and hopefully, we will both be in the World Title conversation together.”

Malia Manuel (HAW). PHOTO: © WSL / Cestari SOCIAL : @wsl @kc80.

Although eliminated in the Semifinals, 7X World Champion Gilmore will come back on the 2019 Championship Tour ranked No. 1 on the Jeep Leaderboard.

Stephanie Gilmore Claims Historic 7th Surfing World Title at Beachwaver Maui Pro.
PHOTO: © WSL / Cestari SOCIAL : @wsl @kc80.

“Malia (Manuel) is always on the best waves,” said Gilmore. “I tried to fight my way back but it’s all good. I’ve had an incredible couple of days. This year has been beyond anything I could’ve dreamed of. Surfing is so fun. People always ask me why I’m smiling so much but if they did what I did they would know why.”

Malia Manuel (HAW). PHOTO: © WSL / Cestari SOCIAL : @wsl @kc80.

Beachwaver Maui Pro Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 18.67
2 – Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.67

Beachwaver Maui Pro Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.50 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.36
SF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.67 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.44

Beachwaver Maui Pro Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.00 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 4.67
QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.94 def. Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.57
QF 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 15.40 def. Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) 14.60
QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.66 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.40