- USA Surfing

What happens when three of the most progressive women in surfing land deep in the heart of Texas for a training session with the U.S. Olympic surf program? They take to the air, of course.

A handful of America's best surfers recently spend some days training at the BSR Surf Resort in Waco, Texas, including Carissa Moore, Lakey Peterson, Courtney Conlogue, Kevin Schulz and Christiaan Otter Bailey.

"We worked on turn variations, both backside and frontside, being light on the feet, airs and finding some extra pop!" shared Championship Tour veteran Brett Simpson, who was selected as head coach of the U.S.A. Olympic team back in July.

Team USA Gets Their Air Game On Point
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Watch as Brett Simpson pushes Carissa Moore, Lakey Peterson, and Kevin Schultz's air game to the next level. Footage Courtesy USA Surfing

"We came with a few objectives to work on and check off the list. It was a very successful trip and everyone is looking forward to go back soon," Simpson continued.

Although Moore was the only official U.S. team member at the pool she was in good company. She's been battling with Peterson and Conlogue in the water for years. Whether it's for the World Title or for future Olympic gold, the three progressive women continue to push each other to new heights. The goal of the training session was to get together the U.S. Olympic athletes to gain repetition on aerial maneuvers as well as dial in equipment.

"I had a blast training with the U.S.A. surf team and head coach, Brett Simpson," shared Moore. "We also got to talk story with a few people that have been to the games before and get a better idea of what to expect when we get there. It was a productive few days! I'm super excited for the journey to the Olympics next year."

Brett Simpson and Carissa Moore Brett Simpson gives Carissa Moore immediate feedback while in the water, talking technique and equipment. - Carson Roller Photo

Moore flew to Texas from Hawaii to train with the team and pushed her surfing above the lip during her time at the pool.

The devil is in the details, and these women have been working on every detail of their surfing game. It's not just hanging around the pool and busting airs. They are also breaking down their technique and working on rail turns.

"In addition to wave pool training sessions, the athletes worked with a panel of Olympic medalist athletes and coaches from other sports, and the best experts in the fields of sports psychology, nutrition, training, movement analysis, rehabilitation, and the physiology of sleep for competitive advantage," shared Becky Fleischauer, head of media and communications at U.S.A. Surfing.

BSR Facility Waco, Texas Sep. 14, 2020 An aerial maneuver from Carissa Moore during her time at the BSR facility in Waco, Texas. - Rob Henson Surf Shots

A session like this is amazing for women in surfing as a whole. The more time the best of the sport get to spend pushing and challenging one another, the more the sport progresses forward. Surely, the next generation of surfers will be watching and finding inspiration from these Olympic hopefuls.

As travel restrictions start to settle, the U.S.A. Olympic team hopes to continue with training sessions at the BSR facility in the months leading up to the Olympics. In addition, a team trip to Japan to surf the event site is in the works for when safe COVID-travel allows. Despite the current situation, Team U.S.A. is putting in the hours for gold.

Check out these related USA Olympic Team articles:

Brett Simpson Talks About Coaching A National Team In The Time Of COVID

Six Things You Might Not Know About The USA Olympic Surf Team

Olympics Confirm New 2021 Date

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