teenage.me

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched Blue Crush and wished I was a surfer girl who could go out there and show all the boys who’s boss! (I’ll save my surfing disaster for another time) That, however, is pro-surfer Carissa Moore’s reality. With a 3.9 GPA, a sponsorship from Nike 6.0, and teammates Monyca Byrne-Wickey and Coco Ho, this Hawaii native was the first girl in over a decade (and only the third EVER) to land the cover of Surfer Magazine. Oh, did I mention she’s only 16? I chatted with Carissa about how she balances her crazy schedule, and what it’s like to attend Punahou School…that’s right, Barack Obama’s alma mater.

1. What did your parents say when you first took up surfing? Were they nervous?
My dad was the one who actually taught me how to surf. He used to take me out on his board and we would tandem together in Waikiki. I still surf with him everyday as he is my coach and one of my best friends. My mom doesn’t surf, but she is cool with it all. I am very lucky to have very supportive parents.

2. Do you have siblings? Do they surf?
My parents are divorced so I am lucky enough to have two extended families. My biological sister’s name is Cayla and she just turned twelve. I also have two step sisters, Kelly, who is eleven, and Kailee, who is nine. We all surf together and it is a lot of fun. They are getting good too so it is quite exciting

3. Do you have pets?
I have several pets. At my dad’s house we have a poi dog named Buddy. Interestingly enough, we bought him outside of Foodland on the North Shore. We also have two cats by the name of Rascal and JayJay. At my mom’s house we have three dogs, Coco Chanel, Musubi and Puff Daddy.

4. At what point did you know surfing was going to be more than just a hobby for you?
I don’t know if there was ever really a point in which surfing became more than just a hobby for me. As the years have passed, my love for the sport has grown and it has become a really important and exciting part of my life.

5. What do you tell yourself on days when you really don’t want to get out there? How do you stay motivated?
For the most part I am pretty motivated. If I am really tired or out of it for any reason, I just take that day off, and I’m ready to go the next day!

6. How can you possibly fit in your schoolwork and do as well as you do!? How do you budget time for everything?
Balancing schoolwork and surfing can be tough sometimes but it has really taught me the value of managing my time well, prioritizing, and staying organized. If I want to surf and do well in school, I have to be efficient and be on top of things. Also, all my teachers are really supportive and help me when I need it.

7. What are your favorite subjects in school?
My favorite subject in school is Japanese. I have been studying it now for five years and I really like it. This year has been the most interesting thus far because we are learning more about the cultural aspects. Last month I got to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and learn about the art of Ikebana (traditional flower arranging) and calligraphy.

8. What do you think you would want to be if you weren’t a surfer?
I like photography, maybe something to do with that!

Stefany asks “How can I get rid of split ends without having to get a trim.. And how can I reduce heat damage to my hair?”
 
Unfortunately, once a hair strand has split, there’s no way to permanently fix it without trimming it off. Bummer, I know. However… There are lots of super-hydrating and fortifying products out there that will help keep split ends from forming, period. If you blowdry or flat-iron your hair, protecting it from heat damage is step one. We consulted the pros for their advice on how to keep your locks healthy.

Who:  DL1961, makers of the yummiest stretchy and comfy denim
When: June 17, 18 and 19th
Where: 530 7th Ave (between 38th and 39th) #1108 from 10am-6pm

Happy shopping!

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