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Maya Gabeira retires from professional big wave surfing

Maya Gabeira: Guinness World Record holder for the biggest wave ridden by a woman | Photo: Red Bull

Maya Gabeira announced her retirement from professional surfing and big wave riding.

The 37-year-old goofy-footer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, decided to hand her leash after 20 years of pursuing her dream.

"I am finally ready to step away from professional surfing and big wave surfing and find something else. I have fulfilled my purpose," expressed Gabeira.

"When I started this life, it was unthinkable for a woman to compete with men, for a woman to surf the biggest wave of the year among men and women, for Nazaré to exist, for world records for women to exist."

Maya Gabeira rode her first waves in 2003 at Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro. She was 14.

Three years later, the Brazilian moved to Hawaii and started working as a restaurant waitress.

Gabeira rode her first big wave - a 35-foot wall of saltwater - on February 6, 2006, at Waimea Bay.

From that moment on, the goofy-footer went on to win five Big Wave Awards (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012) and a Best Female Action Sports Athlete ESPY Award (2009).

After suffering a horrendous wipeout at Teahupoo, Tahiti, she kept her head and confidence high and became the first woman to surf Nazaré.

Maya Gabeira: good vibes, all smiles | Photo: Red Bull

Fighting Criticism with Resilience

In 2013, Gabeira wiped out at Portugal's big wave venue, was rescued unconscious by Carlos Burle, and revived on the beach.

The fact that she was riding waves of consequence in Nazaré prompted strong criticism from Laird Hamilton.

"She doesn't have the skill to be in these conditions. She should not be in this kind of surf. I feel like it's Carlos' responsibility to take care of her, and he's just lucky that she didn't drown," said the waterman.

Kelly Slater was also harsh on Maya Gabeira.

"You are unprepared. You are endangering people around you when they have to go in and rescue you in such scenarios. I think if you continue to do what you're doing, you're gonna die. So I highly suggest you stop," said the 11-time world champion.

But Maya was not going to be stopped, and soon she was back in the Nazaré lineup, ready to overcome the trauma.

"So much has changed. There are so many women today. I am very proud and honored to have been part of the transformation of this industry, this sport, this lifestyle. It has changed me, too," Gabeira said in her farewell message.

"I say this to the people who supported me, helped me, and to the people who challenged me, criticized me, sometimes even hated me — but I understand."

"I was tough. I wanted too much; I wanted to learn and live things. Not everyone would understand why, but I did it. It was hard for me not to feel hurt sometimes, but everything served its purpose."

The truth is that Maya Gabeira prevailed and showed what women are made of with two Guinness World Records in 2018 and 2020 for the biggest wave ridden by a woman.

An Emotional Farewell

Maya Gabeira, who had moved to Nazaré full time, is already missing the Portuguese town that shaped her big wave surfing career.

"This is my last month in Nazaré, and I am enjoying every moment," revealed the Brazilian.

"There's nothing like waking up and thinking, 'This might be the last time I see waves like these.' You know, being brought back to life and having a real experience of how quickly life can slip away."

"I am still enchanted by how our perspective on things can give us a new way of experiencing the day, the sunset, the sunrise."

Surfing will become a hobby for Maya, as it should always be with everyone.

"Now, I am ready to move forward and continue serving and living a purposeful life. I hope to impact more people's lives," concluded Gabeira.

"I think that's why I'm here. We're here to change ourselves. Hopefully, that can lead others to change themselves."

"I got into surfing to understand myself and for the freedom it gave me. And I am stepping away from surfing feeling so free, with my mind so free, with my heart so full.

"I have no regrets. I know I chose the right career."

"In the early years of my life, I was wise when I left home as a teenager, not knowing what the heck I was going to do but feeling my heart beat for surfing. I was blessed. Thank you for being part of it."

Maya Gabeira is the co-author of two picture books, "Maya and the Beast" (2022) and "Maya and the Waves" (2024).


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com



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