Garrett “GMAC” McNamara is an American professional surfer who has had a significant impact on the world of extreme surfing.
He is famous for setting the world record for the largest wave ever surfed, a feat that was chronicled in the HBO series 100 Foot Wave.
In addition to his record-breaking achievements, McNamara is also famous for successfully negotiating a giant barrel at Jaws, a notoriously dangerous surfing spot. This achievement further cements his status as one of the world’s most courageous and skilled big wave surfers.
File
- Full name: Garrett “GMAC” McNamara
- Stage name: Garrett McNamara
- Date of birth: August 10, 1967
- Age: 57 years old
- Place of birth: Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA
- 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, along with 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 unusual, as he often prioritized surfing over school, resulting in him not going to school. Despite this, he still managed to graduate and later described his education as “a master’s degree in traveling around the world.” McNamara’s ethnicity is Irish, although his religion 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 popular spots like Sunset, Waimea and the outer reefs in search of giant waves.
His talent and dedication soon paid off when he entered and qualified for the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing at the age of 17, attracting the attention of sponsors.
For the next 10 years, McNamara and his brother Liam competed against each other. During this time, Liam became more famous in the surfing community.
In 2002, McNamara and his towing partner Rodrigo Resende won the $70,000 purse at the Tow World Surfing Tour in Maui at Jaws.
Later that year, McNamara gained international recognition when he appeared on the covers of major surfing magazines around the world after being photographed in a dramatic shoot off the coast of Teahupo’o in Tahiti.
In 2003, McNamara rode one of his most famous waves, pushing the boundaries of big wave surfing. In 2007, he and collaborator Keali’i Mamala searched for tsunami-forming waves generated by 300-foot-tall calving glaciers in South Central Alaska, captured 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 more than 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 harnessing the big wave, McNamara also took an interest in Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and put his own spin on the sport by designing and creating SUP boards for a more enjoyable experience. In 2009, he participated in the World Stand Up Paddleboarding Championships, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished swimmer.
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 Award:
- Biggest wave award
- Discarded award of the year
- 2008:
- 2nd Place SUP Competition Puerto Escondido, Mexico
- Billabong XXL Award:
- Performance of the Year Award
- 2007:
- Billabong XXL Award:
- Performance of the year
- Biggest wave award
- 2006:
- 1st Place Nell Scott Tow Surfing Championship
- Billabong XXL Award:
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 2015), Theia Love Nazaré Celeste Rose (born 2018), and Fe do Mar Strawberry Lucy (born 2021).
Nicole McNamara serves as Garrett’s manager and follower and is actively involved in his career. Together, they run the McNamara Foundation, which supports disadvantaged youth through surf therapy.
Net worth
Garrett McNamara, famous big wave surfer, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth is mainly due to his successful surfing career, lucrative sponsorship deals and appearances in famous documentaries such as HBO’s. 100 Foot Wave.
McNamara’s exceptional achievements in big wave surfing, including setting a world record for riding a giant 100-foot wave in Nazaré, Portugal, have cemented his status as a pioneer. A true champion and icon in this sport.
