Carissa Moore's return as a mom, U.S. depth highlight World Surf League's 50th season

When Carissa Moore couldn't walk to her mailbox about 13 months ago, she had doubts. When she lay on her surfboard for the first time since giving birth, and couldn't paddle due to soreness from breastfeeding, she had doubts. When she was able to get back into water deeper than four feet around six months ago, she had a panic attack.

"I was like, 'Can I surf big waves again? '" she said. Now Moore, who won gold in surfing's Olympic debut in 2021, is back on the World Surf League's Championship Tour.

The season starts at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach off the coast of Victoria, Australia, this week (or next week, depending on conditions). Moore's return using a season wild card is just one of the storylines. Australian Stephanie Gilmore, a record eight-time world champion, is on a full-fledged comeback at age 38 after competing in one total event over the last two seasons.

Tya Zebrowski, a Frenchwoman who just turned 15, is an anticipated newcomer. The 50th year of professional surfing also brings format changes, namely moving the most prestigious event, Hawaii's Pipe Masters, from the beginning of the season to the end to determine annual world champions. It's a season-ending event for the women for the first time.