Unveiling the Unbreakable Bond: Caroline Marks' Epic Journey to Conquer the Surfing World

Lower Trestles, the renowned surf spot in Southern California, has become a fruitful arena for the rising career of American surfer Caroline Marks. In 2015, at the age of 13, Marks made her debut in the World Surf Leagues Championship Tour, making history as the youngest participant to compete in this esteemed sporting event, courtesy of a wild card entry.

Marks described her victory at the same location, eight years later, as a full circle moment. She defeated the same champion surfers, Carissa Moore and Tyler Wright, who had previously beaten her in 2015.

The young Floridian, who is 21 years old, admired Moore in her childhood. It was a perfect scenario for her to claim her inaugural world championship by triumphing over her idol-turned-competitor at the peak of the surfing season.

Marks, an energetic surfer who rides waves with her right foot forward, displayed her skillful maneuvers and secured a resounding win against Moore. She sealed the world title by winning the first two heats of the three-match contest, showcasing her dominance.

With that, she completed her evolution from star-struck teen to first-time champion.

Marks celebrates winning the world title at Lower Trestles in California.

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Marks said she felt a unique bond with the ocean that day, and her board was incredible. "I was in a state of complete flow... I've felt that way before during other victories, but there was something exceptionally enchanting about that day, perhaps because there was so much at stake."

In the current format, the Championships Tours for men and women are concluded with a finals event. This event features a face-off between the top five ranked surfers throughout the season, who compete in four matches.

Ranked number three going into the finals, Marks emerged victorious after defeating both Caitlin Simmers and Wright. In the decisive match, she triumphed over the top-ranked surfer, Moore.

Introduced in 2021, the format has become a subject of debate. Cayla, the sister of Moore, recently expressed her belief that it does not properly recognize consistent performance throughout the entire season. In contrast, renowned surfer Kelly Slater acknowledged that Marks was the best on the specific day and labeled Moore as "the most well-rounded athlete on the women's tour" once the competition concluded. Nevertheless, for Marks, winning the world title represents the fulfillment of years of dedication and ambition, a goal that had taken shape in her mind even before she became the youngest surfer to qualify for the Championship Tour at the age of 15.

Marks surfs a wave at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro in August, the same break that will host next year's Olympics.

According to Marks, "This is the finest surfing I have ever done, with consistently outstanding performances. I have never felt more powerful and stable."

Constructive criticism

Marks, the third child out of six, was raised in Melbourne Beach, a town in Florida. Even though she observed her older brothers riding waves as they surfed and living right by the ocean, it was horseback riding that initially sparked her passion for competing. Nonetheless, the magnetic pull of the sea became too irresistible, and by the time she was nine or ten years old, Marks had developed a routine of strolling from her home to the beach every day alongside her brothers.

"I spent countless hours immersed in the water, and my fondness for it grew immensely," she reminisces.

"At times, my brothers' constructive criticism left me in tears, but it only made me resilient. It has propelled me to where I am now, making every minute of it worthwhile."

As soon as she entered the competition scene, Marks experienced a rapid ascent to become one of the top athletes in the sport, dazzling spectators with her renowned backhand turns while dominating junior national events.

Marks competes in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

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Coach and former professional surfer Mike Parsons has praised her astonishing leg power and exceptional stability on her board. According to him, she executes powerful turns effortlessly, creating impressive sprays in the air. These turns are notably challenging, but she excels at them, accessing parts of the wave that other surfers cannot due to her remarkable strength.

Tough times make you or break you

During her six years on the Championship Tour, Marks has faced a challenging journey. Being a teenage star, she has been constantly under the spotlight and subjected to intense scrutiny, which has unfortunately resulted in a significant amount of negative commentary on social media.

She acknowledges the inevitable presence of critical individuals amidst the attention: "With such a large audience, there will always be those who choose to express unkind sentiments." Reflecting on her initial qualification, she recalls facing numerous detractors who voiced skepticism about her capabilities due to her young age and her parents. She admits that it was unpleasant and disheartening.

"But nowadays, I hardly pay attention to comments, to be completely honest. I prioritize myself, focus on my own journey, and don't really give much importance to other people's opinions."

Recently, the challenges and expectations of professional surfing, in which Marks, despite her youth, has already been immersed for several years, started to intensify.

After taking a lengthy hiatus from the tour to address persistent medical and health concerns, she was unable to secure a spot in the WSL Finals upon her return. Nevertheless, Marks believes that winning this year's world title is even more rewarding compared to her absence from competitions last season, lasting four months.

"I was going through a challenging period," she clarifies. "This made the achievement so much more significant, almost beyond measure. Furthermore, I believe that overcoming these obstacles and difficult times has greatly contributed to my growth and resilience."

I believe that when facing adversity, it can either build your character or shatter it completely. The mere fact that I managed to emerge stronger from that experience... It's truly remarkable to reflect upon.

Marks took victory at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro in August before winning the world title the following month.

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Mark's upcoming season will mark her first as the defending champion. Her main objective remains the same - winning the world title year after year, including in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite being the youngest competitor in the Tokyo Games two years ago where she finished fourth, Marks now aims for even greater achievements in Tahiti, where the surfing competition will be held.

In order to achieve a gold medal, she must conquer the formidable Teahupoo break, a powerful and challenging wave known worldwide.

"The world title has always been my ultimate goal," remarks Marks, who emerged victorious in the Tahiti Pro competition in August. "Now that surfing is an Olympic sport and I have attained the world title, my next aspiration is undoubtedly to claim a gold medal, which would hold immense significance for me."

Currently, she looks forward to a year with reduced pressure after accomplishing her lifelong dream of winning the world championship. This will allow Marks to concentrate on the initial reasons that motivated her to become a professional surfer.

"Surfing is incredibly enjoyable and truly brings me happiness," she expresses. "I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue it as my profession. Regardless of the path you choose in life, ensure that it brings you joy and strive for greatness."