Carissa Moore Achieves Back-to-Back CT Wins in Dominant Form 

An unstoppable Carissa Moore (HAW) now claims back-to-back CT wins in 2026 with a remarkable run through the Surf City El Salvador Pro. This marks Moore’s 30th-career CT victory and first in Central America. The five-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Moore, continues to raise the bar for women’s power and progression, putting everything into last-minute heroics and excellent showcases. Now, Moore moves to World No. 2 and heads to the VIVO Rio Pro with her family in full support.

“I’m literally baffled. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their support and love, especially from home,” said Moore. “When I saw Tyler [Wright] in the locker room, I just said, ‘This is like the old days, this is awesome.’ It’s really cool to see the veterans make a push this year, make some Finals, and take some wins. I’m inspired by my generation and the next generation; it’s such a good combination for women’s surfing right now. To be able to share this with my husband. We’ve been together for 16 years now, and he’s my best friend. And we’re testing the waters with him as a coach at a few, and it seemed to work out at this one.” 

Moore opened up a Final of CT icons against two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) with a mid-range 5.50 (out of a possible 10) on her consistently powerful forehand following a quick opener to take the lead. Moore stayed busy under priority and locked into a Punta Roca runner to showcase more of her forehand variety, with glimpses of power in sections that offered, to post a 4.83, forcing Wright to need an excellent 8.00. A critical exchange at the 19-minute mark witnessed Wright use her priority, but the wave didn’t provide the opportunity needed as Moore took off on the next wave and put on a masterclass of power and variety. Moore’s 8.33 put Wright into a combination situation, but only briefly, as the two traded on back-to-back Punta Roca walls with Wright digging into her power form and a 7.67 to catapult herself back into the heat. 

Two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) made her 2026 statement with an incredible to the Final at the Surf City El Salvador Pro. This marks Wright’s first CT Final since the Lexus Pipe Pro in 2025, and shows she’s still very much in the mix of being a three-time World Champion. Now, Wright heads to the VIVO Rio Pro, ranked World No. 9 and with plenty of momentum following a major performance.

“It’s been such a lovely trip, but really, this is Carissa’s and Leo’s day,” said Wright. “They’ve had an incredible event, and I’m so proud of them both. I know for Leo, this is his first win. I’m so proud to be here and watch it, and him mature over the years. I know just how hard to get your first win, and many more to come. And massive congrats to Carissa, I’m just so proud of them both.”

Wright’s road to victory began against fellow World Champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) in a stout Quarterfinal clash before an all-Australian World Champion heat awaited in the Semifinals against Molly Picklum (AUS). Wright took that momentum all the way to a runner-up, and now prepares for Rio.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Women’s Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.10
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.84

Surf City El Salvador Pro Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.17 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 11.33
HEAT 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.00 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 11.00

Surf City El Salvador Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.83 DEF. Anat Lelior (ISR) 7.50
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.67 DEF. Luana Silva (BRA) 6.07
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) 14.33 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 11.50
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.33 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.27

Up Next: VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero