Following a third-place finish at the VIVO Rio Pro in Brazil, Carissa Moore was en route home to Hawaii when she had an invasive encounter with TSA.
The five-time World Champion and first-ever female Olympic surfing gold medalist was in Houston, Texas for a layover, going through security, when the incident occurred, which left her feeling “violated and disrespected when I was searched.”
Just hours after posting a highlight reel to her Instagram Feed, showing what a good time she had in Brazil, Moore posted the TSA experience to her Stories.
She wrote:
“Went through security at the Houston airport, felt violated and disrespected when I was searched. No one had the decency to listen and treat me with kindness. I’ve never felt so alone and powerless. I’m fine but pretty shaken up.
“I don’t think I deserved to be treated that way. No one does. Trying to have some empathy for them. Maybe they are going through something, who knows.
“Let’s try to be a little more patient, kind and understanding with each other”
Photo: Instagram/Carissa Moore
And she followed it up with another, longer description:
“I really appreciate all the kind messages. I’m truly grateful for the loving community around me and support. I definitely don’t feel alone
“What happened to me was unacceptable and I just hope to encourage some improvement. I am more than ok. I realize how fortunate I am that I don’t ever have to deal with these types of situations and others have been through or have had to deal with way worse situations of being handled inappropriately or feeling powerless.
“We all have the power everyday to choose the kind of person we want to be and the kind of energy we want to share with the world. To those working TSA, I hope to encourage more patience, kindness and empathy towards travelers. I feel fortunate to be able to travel a lot and have a decent understanding of the flow at the airport but others do not. Some people move a little slower than others, don’t know what to take out of their bags and put in a bin or how to stand in an X-ray machine.
“Pat downs are uncomfortable and an invasion of personal space but we all do it for the safety of each other. I’ve had more than I can count and all have been pretty fine.
“Please proceed with care, be gentle and sensitive.
“You as a trained officer have the power to make this experience for someone a positive one, to ease someone’s anxiety and send them on their journey with your love and kindness. You matter and make a difference!”
Always embodying the aloha spirit, Carissa shared what sounded like a terrible experience with a message of positivity. That’s commendable – taking something unfortunate, and using it to spread awareness and growth.
Cheers to Carissa, and we’ll see her at J-Bay, which kicks off July 13th-22nd.
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