Big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara has been recognized by Guinness World Records for surfing the largest wave ever ridden, a towering 78 foot (24m) wall of water he caught at Nazare, Portugal, on Nov. 1 last year while “totally in the moment.”
McNamara’s record-setting feat was verified by Guinness after an independent panel of big-wave and photography experts painstakingly measured still and video images of the colossal wave, a spokeswoman for the agency said.
“I was totally in the moment. PCP. Present, connected and protected,” McNamara, 44, said in a telephone interview from his home in Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Photo: Reuters
According to Guinness, the epic feat eclipsed by more than 1 foot the previous record, set in 2008 by big-wave surfing great Mike Parsons at Cortes Bank in California.
McNamara, who has surfed professionally since age 17, said he had not planned on going to the beach at all on the day he set the record, after spending the entire previous day in waves that “believe it or not, were a little bigger.”
He said friends woke him up early and persuaded him to come with them and that he went reluctantly — feeling “beat up” from the day before and only planning to drive the jet-ski used to tow big-wave surfers out far enough to catch the break.
Photo: Reuters
“They talked me into getting on my board,” McNamara said. “And when I got on the board and they pulled me up everything just felt right, it was like magic.”
Towed out into a set of enormous waves by the jet-ski, McNamara passed up the first swell when he saw the record-setting behemoth shaping up behind it.
“We saw it coming from way out and my lady Nicole [Macias] was on the radio, saying: ‘There’s a big macker coming on the outside,’ and telling us where to go,” he said. “The guy tried to drive me into the first wave and I’m: ‘No, No. 2, No. 2!’ There was just this monster.”
McNamara said he was caught up in the moment as he rode the wave, then worked to stay in control of his board as the colossal wall of water drove him straight toward rocks where “if you fall, there’s not much chance of survival.”
The surfer said he knew the wave was big, but was not sure he had set a record until it was made official last week at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Anaheim, California.
“I really just surf for the love of it and I wasn’t looking to get the record,” he said.
“One the main reasons I’m doing this is to hopefully inspire at least one person to do what they love, to do what they are passionate about,” McNamara said. “I am living proof you can do what you love as a career.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely