Garrett “GMAC” McNamara is an American professional big wave surfer who has made a significant impact on the world of extreme surfing.
He is best known for setting the world record for the largest wave ever surfed, a feat that was documented in the HBO series 100 Foot Wave.
In addition to his record-breaking accomplishments, McNamara is also renowned for his successful negotiation of a monstrous barrel at Jaws, a notoriously treacherous surf spot. This achievement further solidified his status as one of the most fearless and skilled big wave surfers in the world.
Profile
- Full Name: Garrett “GMAC” McNamara
- Stage Name: Garrett McNamara
- Born: 10 August 1967
- Age: 57 years old
- Birthplace: Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: American surfer
- Height: 1.78 m
- Parents: Laurence McNamara and Malia McNamara
- Siblings: Liam McNamara
- Spouse: Konnie Pascual McNamara (m. 1994–2000), Nicole McNamara (m. 2012)
- Children: Barrel McNamara, Theia Love Nazaré Celeste Rose, Fe do Mar Strawberry Lucy, Ariana Kaimana McNamara, Titus Wiamea McNamara, Tiari McNamara
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $10 million
Early Life And Education
Garrett “GMAC” McNamara was born on August 10, 1967, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States. He was raised by his parents, Laurence McNamara and Malia McNamara, alongside his younger brother Liam McNamara. Both brothers grew up in Berkeley, California.
McNamara attended Waialua High School in Hawaii, graduating in 1985. His educational background was unconventional, as he often prioritized surfing over school, leading to a lack of attendance. Despite this, he managed to graduate and later described his educational background as a “master’s degree in world travels.” McNamara’s ethnicity is of Irish descent, though his religious affiliation is unknown.
Career
Garrett McNamara’s surfing career began at a young age, following in the footsteps of his younger brother at just 11 years old. McNamara started surfing at renowned spots like Sunset, Waimea, and the outer reefs in search of giant swells.
His talent and dedication soon paid off, as he entered and placed in the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing series at the age of 17, gaining the attention of sponsors.
For the next 10 years, McNamara and his brother Liam competed on the competition circuit. During this time, Liam was more well-known in the surfing community.
In 2002, McNamara and his tow-in partner Rodrigo Resende won the $70,000 purse at the Tow Surfing World Cup in Maui at Jaws.
Later that year, McNamara gained international recognition when he was featured on the cover of major surf magazines around the world after being photographed in a dramatic barrel shot off the coast of Teahupo’o in Tahiti.
In 2003, McNamara rode one of his most well-known waves, pushing the boundaries of big-wave surfing. In 2007, he and his partner Keali’i Mamala sought out tsunami-formed waves created by 300-foot calving glaciers in South-Central Alaska, documented in a feature film.
In November 2011, McNamara caught a 78-foot wave in Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, breaking the previous world record by over a foot. In January 2013, he broke his own world record by surfing an estimated 100-foot wave off the coast of Nazaré.
In addition to big-wave exploits, McNamara became interested in Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and put his own twist on the sport by designing and creating SUP boards for a more extreme experience. In 2009, he competed in the World Stand Up Paddle Surfing Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished waterman.
Awards and Nominations
Garrett McNamara has received several awards throughout his career, primarily recognizing his achievements in big wave surfing:
- 2012:
- Guinness World Record for Largest Wave Ever Surfed (78 feet) in Nazaré, Portugal
- Billabong XXL Awards:
- Biggest Wave Award
- Wipeout of the Year Award
- 2008:
- 2nd Place Puerto Escondido, Mexico SUP Contest
- Billabong XXL Awards:
- Performance of the Year Award
- 2007:
- Billabong XXL Awards:
- Performance of the Year
- Biggest Wave Award
- 2006:
- 1st Place Nell Scott Tow Surfing Championships
- Billabong XXL Awards:
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @mcnamara_s
Personal Life
Garrett McNamara has been married twice. His first marriage was to Konnie Pascual McNamara in 1994; they have three children: Ariana Kaimana McNamara, Titus Wiamea McNamara, and Tiari McNamara. The marriage ended in the late 2000s.
He is currently married to Nicole McNamara, whom he met in Puerto Rico in 2010. They married in November 2012 in Nazaré, Portugal. Together, they have three children: Barrel (born in 2015), Theia Love Nazaré Celeste Rose (born in 2018), and Fe do Mar Strawberry Lucy (born in 2021).
Nicole McNamara serves as Garrett’s manager and spotter and is actively involved in his career. Together, they run the McNamara Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth through surf therapy.
Net Worth
Garrett McNamara, the renowned big wave surfer, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth is primarily attributed to his highly successful surfing career, lucrative sponsorship deals, and appearances in acclaimed documentaries such as HBO’s 100 Foot Wave.
McNamara’s exceptional achievements in big wave surfing, including setting world records like riding a colossal 100-foot wave in Nazaré, Portugal, have cemented his status as a true pioneer and icon in the sport.
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