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Hound of the Sea (2016)
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Read MoreGARRETT
MCNAMARA
MEET GARRETT
A big-wave surfer whose fearless approach to the ocean has helped redefine the limits of the sport. Born in Massachusetts and raised in California and Hawaii, Garrett McNamara began surfing at an early age and developed a lifelong connection with the sea. Over the course of his career, he became known for pushing boundaries in big-wave surfing, embracing new techniques and exploring some of the most challenging waves on the planet.
A pioneer of tow-in surfing, McNamara competed at the highest levels of the sport and built a reputation for his commitment, resilience and willingness to take on the unknown. His search for extraordinary waves has taken him to remote locations around the world, including Alaska, where he explored waves formed by glacial activity.
In 2011, McNamara made history in Nazaré, Portugal, when he surfed a wave estimated at 78 feet (23.78 metres), setting a Guinness World Record at the time. His achievement helped bring international attention to Nazaré’s extraordinary underwater canyon and its giant waves, transforming the Portuguese coastal town into one of the world’s leading destinations for big-wave surfing. Although the record has since been surpassed, his role in putting Nazaré on the global surfing map remains a defining part of his legacy.
McNamara’s journey reached a worldwide audience through HBO’s Emmy-winning documentary series 100 Foot Wave, which follows him, his wife Nicole and fellow big-wave surfers as they pursue extraordinary waves and navigate the physical, psychological and personal challenges of the sport. The series, now in its third season, offers a more intimate view of the life behind the feats: the risks and setbacks, the impact of injuries, the demands of family life and the ongoing search for purpose beyond achievement.
Today, McNamara’s perspective on surfing reflects a broader understanding of risk, resilience and personal growth. After decades spent pushing his physical and mental limits, he has spoken about the importance of being present, prioritising family and approaching his work with greater intention. His story is not only about confronting immense waves, but also about adapting to change and redefining what success means over time.
Beyond surfing, McNamara is an advocate for the natural world and for the positive impact the ocean can have on people’s lives. Through Waves of Life, an initiative offering surf therapy and mentorship to young people in Nazaré, Portugal, and Hawaii, he helps participants build confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of connection. The project reflects his belief in the ocean as a place for learning, healing and transformation.
As a storyteller, mentor and one of the central figures in modern big-wave surfing, Garrett McNamara continues to inspire people to face uncertainty, move beyond perceived limits and discover what becomes possible when courage is paired with preparation, purpose and trust.
‘Your gut always knows. You’ve got to follow your heart, do what you feel is right. As long as you’re using those two tools, then nothing can go wrong. It just is’.