HONOLUA BAY, Maui, Hawaii/USA (Tuesday, November 27, 2018) - The conditions at this year's Beachwaver Maui Pro, the final stop on the 2018 World Surf League (WSL) Women’s Championship Tour (CT), were all-time and 3X WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) took full advantage, winning over Malia Manuel (HAW) in the Final heat of the season with a Perfect 10-point ride.

“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.”

 

 

“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.”

Manuel finished runner-up for the second consecutive year, after blitzing through her Quarterfinal match-up against an injured Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and eliminating the newly crowned WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in the Semifinals before facing Moore in the Final. Today’s result, Manuel’s best of the year, sees her move up to ninth place on the Jeep Leaderboard and secure her place on the CT 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) 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."