Maya Gabeira: Not talking to Laird Hamilton, Kelly Slater after criticism

Brazilian big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira reflects on impactful criticism from surfing icons Laird Hamilton and Kelly Slater. Gabeira remembers the unfortunate timing of Hamilton’s remarks - as she was in the midst of recovering from a nearly deadly surfing accident - and her immediate reaction after receiving a direct message on Twitter from her childhood idol, Kelly Slater. Plus, Gabeira’s surfing partner Sebastian Steudtner offers his thoughts, saying that in both instances the criticism was fueled by Hamilton’s and Slater’s large egos taking a hit, as Gabeira was earning more attention in the sport.
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2021.
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[@joeblow2183]

I had a guitar player I respected tell me there were cracks in my foundation. Well years later I’ve fixed those cracks and you know what ? I’ll bet I am better thanks to other inputs from very experienced musicians and also my own analysis and hard work. We all can get better that’s the way of life!

[@panama1942]

What cracks were those? I play guitar myself

[@RaoulDukeSr]

Absolutely Joe that's the truth !

[@takaorobinson8719]

@@panama1942 got nothing to do with surfing but the crack reminded me of an electric guitar I got that played great but a crack developed parallel with neck from the cut away to bottom of body. This crack went all the way around the body. Few weeks later, off it went. A block of wood cleanly. So what I thought was a minor paint defect went way deeper. Guitar was a Keith brawley, Floyd rose, 2 humbucker.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

Funny to see a bunch of men in the comment section siding with Laird and Kelly. Meanwhile, so many men who are much less prepared than Maya are surfing Jaws and other big wave spots. But simply because they are men, they never get exposed or thrown under the bus by these God-wanna-be surf legends. None of them said shit to Laurie Towner when he almost died in Teahupoo. When it happens to a man, they treat it as an unfortunate work accident. But when it's a woman, she's treated as if she doesn't belong there. Keep doing what you're doing, Maya. Don't let their male fragility (disguised as thoughtful advice) stop you.

[@GLamoRousCooKie]

I'm commenting to boost this comments because it's by far the most accurate one.

[@BobbyJetty1502]

There’s an old saying here in America. This is my waterman/surfing version. “ Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, However sticks and stones didn’t break my bones but a big wave almost fucking killed me “ Everyone knows Maya you’re one hell of a surfer, you’ve got balls and good style. But sometimes pushing it to another level when you’re not ready will put you in situations like the one you ended up in. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors 🌊🤙

[@HGFED321]

who has the record?

[@woodnbikes]

No ones ever ready till they do it. G-Mac would have never let her go out there if he didn't feel she was qualified. What happened in Nazare was all on Carlos. She was waiting for the right wave to whip into, passed a couple up, and Burle started yelling at her to go. It was a wave she should not have gone on. Not because it was big, but because it had a mogul field on the face of it. Then Burle proceeded to execute the worst rescue in the history of tow surfing....

[@tommeneze5]

Maya Reis Gabeira is a Brazilian big wave surfer. She is most known for having surfed a 73.5 ft/22,4 m high wave in Nazaré, Portugal in February 2020, recorded by Guinness World Records as the biggest wave ever surfed by a female. It was also the biggest wave surfed by anyone that year.

[@hoopslaa5235]

Evil Kenevil also broke records, but also more bones and crashes than records? Your point is totally pointless and baseless and meaningless. There’s a ton of people that wrecked themsleves in pursuit of records, uh…so? You must be Brazilian to try and attempting to emphasize this soooo strongly and not rationally and think independently and objectively, come on guy. Poor judgement and bad justification man/

[@avionespr]

And she almost die there

[@byronbass1370]

@@hoopslaa5235he is probably just Brazilian

[@rodjato]

I think she should be able to do whatever the hell she wants. She is brave and skilled and we will all die someday. If she chooses to put her life on the line doing something she loves she has the right to do so. If she endangers the rescuers that’s simply part of the job. I doubt that Laird has a clean slate when it comes to endangering others. I doubt anyone has for that matter..

[@julierogers1155]

Exactly.

[@anatta467]

Laird and Shane have created the only Safety Training and Procedures for big wave surfing that exist. Pretty sure they both have more say than anyone alive.

[@krispewkrem3]

Kelly Slater has specifically said he doesn’t surf big waves because it’s scary and dangerous. Laird Hamilton is arguably the biggest pioneer of big wave surfing and foiling. He’s dedicated his life to it. He would know if someone should be out there or not. She’s luckily moved past this and now surfs big waves. Luckily she survived. But knowing your limits can entirely prevent these situations from taking place.

[@rikkibobby5211]

The whole team literally says she wasn't ready

[@StefanMichaels-ut9jg]

How can you know your limits if you don’t step up to the challenge(s) to see what you’re made of?

[@lopchong7768]

Maya, you go girl. You have the desire to ride big waves, so don’t worry what boy’s say. Those jet ski’s are there to help surfers when they wipe out. If your still not gun shy, keep going!

[@meganherrington7707]

What a graceful, generous, compassionate person 💕

[@j.gravett2878]

Thank God her new towing partner has both caring & thought & understanding!!! If a man was in her position, Laird would be offering his rehab place to him!

[@eduardotirado839]

She certainly doesn’t suck! And she’s got more balls than plenty others. But, in the ocean you always need to know your limits. Always...

[@LucasPenido]

“Having balls” (courage) is the main reason that many athletes are no longer here!

[@Juliobrem]

Thats exactly how I fell about the Ocean. I’ve once drown in the Caribbean because I thought I was a great swimmer , and know the behavior of the waves more or less. Until I find out not. You turn out to be so vulnerable and fragile in the immensity of the sea.

[@plainsailor4987]

That's what laird was talking about, no ball's

[@LucasPenido]

@@Juliobrem FACTS! The greatest athletes have alot of respect for the ocean, the sky, conditions, etc..

[@zacharysmith5947]

You don't know your limits until you test them...the consequence of testing yourself against nature in any endeavor could be death. I think she is all the more awesome for what she has been through.

[@edwinsalem8432]

At the end the day, she bounced back and broke the womens big wave world record. Confronted the place that almost killed her and overcame the whole drama. Chapeau!

[@charlesK12960]

who gives a fuck about women surfing?

[@kathleenwall4722]

@@charlesK12960 lol...that was heartless.

[@lemondrop7305]

@@charlesK12960 the 137K + viewers lol

[@parraphrase]

@@lemondrop7305 I only tuned in when I saw Kelly Slater and Laird Hanilton. That’d be the same with most of the views.

[@greendog8489]

but she wiped out. so it should not be a world record. any idiot can try to surf a monster wave and fall off and get a world record

[@donaldbernstein8939]

This is the first time I’ve seen an interview by Graham - excellent exceptional talent

[@evab.6240]

She's taking on criticism quite well, imo

[@user-ow3jl5dp5o]

Lol if u call her telling laird and Kelly whatever is quite well lol 😆😂

[@strengthtobe]

Man or Woman... If Kelly Slater gives you surfing advice... it’s probably not the worst idea to listen. 🤷‍♂️

[@leandrodias2050]

In this case instead of advice to actually help her get better, he just gave her an “ultimatum”

[@aztro187]

Nah bro... Hes a hater.... Let her do her thing... If she dies she dies....

[@andrèharrison7164]

How many times do you think Slater or Hamilton have nearly died on a wave?

[@laurencemote4092]

I highly recommend watching the surf movie ‘Girls can’t surf’. Quite enlightening.

[@reqqwrq24]

@@leandrodias2050 ok Drago.

[@Houseofperry]

Laird is no nonsense and calls it like he sees it. He doesn't have time for your feelings. Kelly is not a big wave surfer and has said many times its not worth his life.

[@squacamole3599]

I think you're looking for Ben Shapiro.

[@Houseofperry]

@@squacamole3599 no Laird has aspergers syndrome its a known fact. He is known for being to the point and not caring about how you feel. Hes been that way from the beginning. Nice bringing politics into surfing. Have a beer and relax.

[@petepoteet]

@@squacamole3599 Ben Shapiro reminds me of the kid back in school who was always getting put inside the lockers and getting wedgies...

[@squacamole3599]

@@petepoteet Imagine him on a surfboard 😄

[@jza66]

Maybe not tow-in. But Kelly won The Eddie Aikau. That’s big enough.

[@Skylarking555]

Not sure they would have said the same about Justine Dupont.

[@yomommastupid]

Who are we to judge her. It is her life. Her dream. Let her do what she wants to do. She has achieved a lot more than the average surfer.

[@gregschlaifer]

She wasn't prepared obviously. Laird has dedicated his life to big wave surfing and training. Kelly has also dedicated his life to surfing. Probably take the advice of those who paved the way.

[@Gabriel86756]

What Kelly knows about big surf ? He should keep his opinion in his pocket ! About Laird ...well he is a big rider...but never see him in that ocean or waves...so he should care about his family.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

Maya Gabeira Broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Wave By a Woman in 2020 | 73.5 Feet at Nazaré. Y'all should shut the f*#k up.

[@biff022]

@@Gabriel86756 Slater knows a ton about big surf.

[@viceb7]

@@marciodeabreu2684 wasn't it biggest wave man or woman actually?

[@marciodeabreu2684]

@@viceb7 It was the biggest wave ever surfed by a female and also the biggest wave surfed by anyone in that particular year.

[@rickskeptic6472]

Maya is a big wave idol for those of us who are discouraged by others just for chasing a dream

[@garymcaleer6112]

Thanks, Graham. You always let them finish the thought.

[@ghhhp]

he definitely one of the better interviewers when it comes to letting the person talk youd think that would be a common sense thing in this position but its really not very few actually do it its so fuckin annoying

[@FurEliseFlamenco]

One point that rings true for me is that if she is unprepared or lacks skill, u know there are a lot of guys out there who also are unprepared and lack the skill and Laird didn’t call them out. What about Owen Wright hitting the reef at pipeline? Or billy kempers wipe out in Mexico? Not that these guys aren’t skillful but it doesn’t follow that from having a serious accident means you are not good enough.

[@brianharder7714]

Yeah, just seems a little too easy to pick on the one woman who is elbowing her way into the nearly all male line up at the time.

[@seandillon933]

This is not true. If I went and played professional rugby, even though I have some proficiency in rugby I would be putting myself in serious danger. A professional player would also be in danger (injuries etc) but due to their skill this is mitigated. Owen and billy are absolute elite at what they do. In both the waves discussed in this clip Maya's ability caused life threatening wipe outs. I have seen dead bodies dragged out of the water because of this style of thinking.

[@delmanglar]

The fact that she is a woman did get her more recognition, than if it would be a man in the same siruation. Laird said what he said because the tv guy asked him on internacional tv. Kelly reacted because it happened in front of him. If they have said that of any male profesional surfer, it would'nt be news

[@jjfattz]

Laird was asked about her in an interview. This wasn’t about him calling her out. People trying to twist this into a sexist or egotistic issue is sad.

[@surf2live96789]

can you seriously not see the differences in the situations? If she would have been surfing 4 ft pipe and almost drowned nobody would have said a thing, things happen when you are dealing with the ocean. Bit she was surfing 40 ft Nazare without the proper preparation necessary to do so. Billy and Owen surf better than Maya in every way possible and I would bet that she would agree. Maya charges and it seems like she is better prepared now, but when this happened, she wasn't. It was being talked about way before that she was putting herself into situations that she had no business being in

[@lukebenbow4204]

Watching Gaberia drown at Nazare was hard to watch. Watching it back in 2013 it was everybody's opinion that she shouldn't be out there, Kelly and Laird had the same opinion as everybody.

[@rafaelcostapereira5306]

Is it so difficult to understand that Laird is a 100% right?!?!

[@jaydubya3698]

I mean, Laird has been saying stuff like this for years. I recall that shortly after he started experimenting with and getting attention for riding big, big waves (i.e. Peahi) via tow-in, he expressed his concern about a lot of unskilled half-wits (my words) trying the take on these spots without training or taking the challenge seriously. These are places were you can easily--EASILY--get badly hurt or killed. I'm sure he saw Maya out there charging but not really having the skill to do so, and was just trying to be real about the risks. Same with Kelly. They don't want people to die or amateurs encouraging other amateurs to try stupid stuff. Big wave surfing has always been a hyper-masculine, macho culture and sure, there's some of "the chicks are too weak..they can't do it" attitude. But there's also a "kooks can't do it either" mindset as well. And it's true. Kooks, women, ANYONE who isn't fully prepared via strength, conditioning, experience and skill shouldn't be trying this type of thing like it's a Jake Paul shits and giggles video challenge. Only go in the water in these places if you're super committed.

[@keenanvanzile]

The only way you are going to find out is going for it.. there is heavy risk constantly* w/big wave no? that is common sense... and there is preparation prior as well beforehand so I heavily respect here for going for it and kept charging after... Kai got caught in the wash at Nazarare and no one is telling him that he is unskilled.. the video is on his youtube channel...Kelly Slater almost died surfing as well and he is highly skilled and committed...Its all a matter of perception, you can always w/anything second guess after the fact and make false conclusions...that is unhealthy...

[@eclecticmusica]

@@keenanvanzile Exactly and well said.

[@matth22]

exactly nobody is saying this girl is a bad surfer, they are just trying to keep her safe and she is taking it so personally

[@matth22]

@@keenanvanzile yeah kelly almost died surfing.. do you think he wants anyone else to experience that feeling? if the best of the best is telling you to take it easy because you may not be ready, you should listen

[@jaydubya3698]

@@keenanvanzile Well, I agree with what you're saying...if you're interested in this stuff and you have a lot of big wave riding experience and skill, at some point you have to make the jump and yes, it's dangerous even for really experienced and skilled riders. But I think the point Laird has always made is that not everyone should be trying it. This isn't for the half-baked adrenaline junkie thinking it's like doing a Jackass Movie or some old guy trying to recapture his youth or the Charlie Zelenoff's of surfing who are out there. It's serious stuff and not for weekend warriors or part-timers.

[@issaggg1087]

As someone who has bitten more than he can chew tryingto surf bigger waves than I should have, yea I understand their critique. It’s something to be careful with because its your life on the line. I can’t imagine these type of waves.

[@michaelfarar4232]

This outstanding athlete has earned her spot at Nazare. Your surfing larger waves than you should have vs her surfing the tallest wave in the world are two very different animals.

[@issaggg1087]

@@michaelfarar4232 Im not questioning her position in it nor wether she should surf there or not. I said i UNDERSTAND their critique. Kelly and laird are the best of the best, seeing someone being carried out like she was raised concern to them. they were speaking on a profesional point of view as people who understand the risks.

[@michaelfarar4232]

@@issaggg1087 No, I get it. I believe she's earned the right to surf wherever she wants. This is sort of about that Alpha (Predominately) Male consciousness where females aren't equal to males kinda thing. Kelly may be the all time best professional surfer but he is NOT one of the big wave crew. Apparently he made a comment when she took a bad fall at Teahupoo, saying she almost drowned, and she says she "did not" almost drowned. Laird pretty much says a lot of controversial stuff, i.e. Laird being Laird. They're entitled to express their opinions, but this lady is setting the bar for the future of women's big wave surfing. Laird and Kelly could say the same thing about a lot of guy surfers who have no place in big wave surfing too..but? Mark Foo died on an average 25' day at Mavs...so was he not equipped to be surfing there? She has more guts than 90% of us hardcore surfers who call double-to triple overhead-...big waves!

[@imanton_20]

@@michaelfarar4232 When your ego puts your own life and lives of others in jeopardy, that's an issue. Laird and Kelly were right to raise concerns about wether or not she was ready to surf these waves. She talks about them like they are jealous of her, it just shows how ego driven she is.

[@michaelfarar4232]

@@imanton_20 You mean the same ego that pushed Greg Noll and crew to surf 2nd 3rd reef Pipeline and Waimea for the first time? When I was in my prime,,,Waimea was the biggest wave being surfed...around 30'-35' max...since then wave heights have doubled and tripled...How many were not skilled enough to push those limits? How many drowned in the process? Had there not been those to push the limits @ Jaws, Mavs, Cortez Bank, Nazare, etc etc would have never been surfed. Laird can comment he's earned that right, Kelly? not so much. He's not part of the big wave crew. Also, you are speculating that it is EGO that drives her...Laird could be described as a narcissist, and he himself has a pretty large ego which he does not deny, so maybe thats what it takes for some to reach the pinnacle. It is the male ego that seems to be threatened by a woman who is doing something that 99% of male surfers would not do.

[@sunsensational]

You have to respect her for doing what she loves. I would say no big wave surfer is really prepared when surfing 50+ foot waves.

[@waynehearst317]

No, there is no respect for this. I absolutely LOVE riding motorcycles, but if I went to a world class event/location/track like the Isle of Man race and nearly killed myself because I was way out of my league, that is not respectable, at all.

[@saynotoracismnow]

Beautiful sportswoman

[@stefanstangl7545]

Hey Graham. I am a huge fan! Your video titels have started to kind of amplify the actuall comments. For example with this one you might think there's bad blood between those when it seems they just don't have anything to do with each other. Maybe i am overthinking this. Just keep being carefull. You're the goat of sports interviews:)

[@loungydoc]

At the end of the day props to her for doing her thing, how many times were guys unprepared for big waves … ALL of them … lots of times it’s just a small wave and a bump in the head and game over. Mother nature is no joke sometimes… I believe I’m free speech so there’s that. Sometime your critics become your best motivators

[@mpfilgueiras]

Ok. So go tell Mark Fu was not ready for that wave in Mavericks. Hamilton and Slater would never have the balls to say that.

[@roderickbennett101]

My very same thoughts when seeing this interview, Mark Fu was a surf legend, Maya is to a lot of people also a surf legend, give her her dues. No matter what, she's a lovely lady.

[@craigbielsky115]

NOT THE SAME SCENARIO HE WAS A VETERAN WITH MULTITUDE OF BIG WAVE RIDES HE WAS UNLUCKY NOT UNSKILLED...!

[@hctnati]

Shows you how much you know huh. How bout you start by getting his name right...Foo. Big wave vet who lived and breathed it. He got held down for at least 3 waves. Parsons went the wave behind and was down for two.

[@mpfilgueiras]

@@hctnati well he was definitely not ready for that wave

[@mpfilgueiras]

Sorry for misspelling his name.

[@al-dorifto1631]

I'm pretty sure Hamilton and Slater weren't saying anything in a mean or bad way! If I was her I'd take it as either a compliment or as motivation! Everyone told me I was gonna die at Fiji surfing, I got beat down bad but didn't drown. But when ppl tell me I can't or shouldn't do something, I see that as "hold my beer"

[@pjh2331]

So I mean...it's good that Laird influenced people who aren't skilled enough to think twice before big wave surfing... right? That seems like a net positive. This is very much a life and death issue

[@jonathanfrench5323]

Good point

[@notapplicable9316]

Kelly & Laird would know what they are talking about...

[@seanwatson9310]

The suggestion that this is ego-related for them is nuts.

[@shawnweston4741]

Sometimes you really need to take advice in life if you are pushing your luck too far.Regardless of your experience or skill level some days you are just not meant to be out there.

[@pierswoo76]

I don’t think either were trying to be unkind she just isn’t a highly skilled surfer by any standard - laird pretty much invented tow in surfing and kelly is the greatest surfer of all time I think their opinions are fully valid and it’s good they spoke out

[@LucasMiranda-dh3qf]

Proud Americans lol

[@alexreid4131]

@@LucasMiranda-dh3qf I’m not American and I agree with Woodford’s comment.

[@judyliciuos1]

Yet she surfed the biggest wave of the year in 2019-2020 Winter season - more than any other man and biggest by any woman in history. To say she is not a highly skilled surfer by any standard is just concretely incorrect.

[@megamilyon6111]

Those in the surfing community know that starting around 2006 there came this huge effort by the surf industry to promote women big wave surfers. It was almost entirely a commercially motivated effort. Every single male big wave rider knew that at that time there were NO female surfers that had the experience, ability and talent to safely ride big waves. Everyone knew that Gabeira was being pushed into this when she wasnt qualified. She simply wasnt a strong swimmer and strong surfer. Tow in surfing allows almost any surfer of any ability to attempt big waves and thats a problem. Laird and Kelly were right.

[@surf2live96789]

this right here!!!!!

[@grimsadventures-bikesnpetr7913]

Totally agree, what's this woman on about.......ridiculous....rather go and knit a Jersey

[@darcykelly7515]

Did Laird and Slater say the same thing when Andrew Cotton broke his back at Nazare?This woman has balls as big as the chauvinists Laird and Hamilton.

[@jamesbadham9665]

And she admitted that they were right, that she was naive and unprepared. What she questioned was whether they had any understanding of what she was going through at the time. And where is the criticism from these guys when men go head-first over the falls at giant Chopes on poorly selected waves, or when they nearly or actually die? Mark Foo died at Mavericks on a wave that wasn't giant. Probably got hit on the head by his board, pre sleds. Sion Milowski died at Mavericks. Malik Joyeux drowned at pipeline. Mikey O'Shaunessy nearly drowned at Pipe. Ditto Evan Geiselman, and so on. Where is the criticism? Shane Dorian nearly died. Greg Long had to be resuscitated. The list is long. No one is a strong-enough swimmer at giant Nazare or Chopes or Jaws. They all rely on their gear and their town partners and backup. Carlos Burle was the one who was also totally unprepared. Those passes he made by her when she was barely conscious were off-the-charts bad. No radio (he lost it). Where is the criticism of that from the commenters here?

[@brunomaccosta]

She's awesome, and way capable of doing what she does. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIXYon17ZZiUfpY The thing was too big for her, and she have the balls to go for it, and challenge her own limits. Airton Senna once said, If you see gap and won't go for it, you're not a good driver, and it can be applied to any sport.

[@anthonycorrales]

I'm torn on this topic. I think criticism from surfing legends such as Kelly and Laird should be taken into consideration, but not detractors from her/ your dream or goal. I'm sure most professionals have been fairly or unfairly criticized along their journey. And I'm sure the NFL and the UFC has humbled those that were in over their head, but as long as she doesn't hurt anyone but herself, I say try. That being said, waves should not be counted as world records unless the ride is completed. Because wiping out on large waves are not justifiably world records. And I think some of her waves are debatable/ trivial. Otherwise Steve-O could just take off on a wave and call it day with a new record even if he get crushed. There needs to be some guidelines.

[@antonioromao5681]

A lot of people talk about Maya not being ready, but she broke the record at 73.5 feet. Can anyone say they are fully prepared to ride a 73.50 foot wave?

[@GuillaumeG-oz3hz]

She broke it almost 5 years ( 68ft in 2018 ) after the accident that almost killed her. She admits herself that she probably wasn't ready back then. nazare is problem in itself. When it became famous, people who tackled it had a lot of experience of big waves, they had done every famous spot multiple times. Now younger people think about it early on, because that's where you'll get your biggest.

[@hoopslaa5235]

Evil kenevil broke more bones than records, your point is moot and not base in comparative reality

[@gavinbeets4736]

Let her surf! Live and let Live

[@julierogers1155]

Cheers, Maya! I am inspired by you.

[@jennifergrillo4878]

Don't let anybody stop you from your dreams and goals !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lincolnhumphrey2500]

Or death

[@harrymiram6621]

And THAT is how you end up a Casualty. Lost cousin, who was fire/rescue b4 there was WSO/lifeguard dept. He grew up in/around ocean. The one intended to rescue lived, he did not. Know Your expectations, skill level & area. ANY iota of doubt will get you, & others,...Terminated.

[@granta3044]

Giant waves dont give an f about your goals. Haha. They were trying to tell her. Some people need to learn the hard way, some people also die.

[@brianharder7714]

Man, this is a great segment from a thoughtful woman. I'm not sure a man could address this in such an even sane way. I don't think there is any way to take the male ego aspect of this situation out of the discussion. The hierarchy is undeniable and she inserted herself, ready or not, right into the mix. The truth is, some of the best, most prepared men have died doing extreme versions of their sport. And for sure, the timing was awful and very inconsiderate, leveling criticism when they did.

[@ninjaman12310]

If Laird says it’s too big, it’s too big.

[@williamcorpuz9591]

Teahupoo, Nazare, both times Maya got knocked out broke bones and almost drowned. The next time Maya might not be so lucky 🤔

[@MyMW3Channel]

It's an interesting interview because we get to see her perception of reality. It's hard to hear truths from those better than you. Hopefully, she uses it to get better and not endanger anyone.

[@julierogers1155]

They* ALL ENDANGER the rescuers just by attempting these waves. *these extreme surfers

[@DanielHatchman]

Whoever is riding those big swells at Teahups and Nazare are at a significant risk of death. Being prepared super prepared is only a small part in the risk equation. You have as much right to risk it as everyone else.

[@2HitWonder]

As of 2021 she is still alive...so Kelly's prophecy did not come to pass.

[@deedubs602]

She literally died in that sesion. That was cpr that they were performing on her to bring her back. They had no clue what they were doing she even admits it during this interview..

[@LucasMiranda-dh3qf]

As of 2021 she's still alive.. Kelly don't know shit

[@Chebab-Chebab]

I've surfed. There are times when I haven't gone out because it was too big or gnarly for my ability.

[@Chebab-Chebab]

@@gumbymofugga I don't care about fame. I was just admitting that I know my limits in the water. Why the need to get defensive?

[@latinoamericano45]

Good for you. Who cares?

[@Daniel-ly2dw]

Is there a video of her wipeout in Tahiti?

[@johnwadmaniii]

Didn’t Maya, the girl that was in the wrong league, that didn’t belong in Big Wave Surfing, just ride the largest wave possibly ever ridden at Nazare? Asking for Laird and Kelly.

[@Jay-fq8uz]

taking it out of context idiot, also largest wave ridden by a women

[@79pejeperro]

@@Jay-fq8uz And much bigger than any wave ridden by you

[@brianharder7714]

Comment of the day!

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Nazare is giant slop.

[@Jay-fq8uz]

@@79pejeperro okay??? Im stating facts, it was the largest wave ridden by a women. Lmao she's literally a "pro" big wave surfer. I would hope she's surfing bigger waves than me and you. Thanks captain obvious

[@ptrtng6307]

It's true. I'm from Brazil and we never heard of her until a couple of months before the disatrous attempt... she's better known here as a politician's daughter than a skilled surfer.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

Maya has been surfing since she was 14 years old (21 years ago). Started competing at 15 and moved to Hawaii at 17. She was the winner of the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards four times in a row (2007 to 2010). The fact that you never heard of her is no parameter. It just shows how uninformed you are.

[@camilascarmo]

wrong, im brazillian too and I surf and I've known who Maya is since she started to make her name in big wave surf...every brazillian surfer who follows the sport knew her way before the accident....dont assume everyone is as ill informed as you

[@bonbondesel]

It's not the problem of what Laird said, it's how and when. It was the most stupid and worst manner anyone can communicate. I think one of the surfer said it right about the ego and the other things. And Kelly Slater has never been known to be a good one for advices. And he is not a giant wave specialist. He is right to be afraid of the death in these conditions. He's lost friends in big wave surfing. But the point is that this kind of extreme sport can easily kill you and any mistake can be fatal. Nobody blamed Todd Chesser for dying at the time. And nobody blamed recent male's fatal ride... So why would a woman be so in the centre of the controversy ?

[@purekush2536]

Kelly he has rode at many big wave spots over the years and one of the best surfers of all time I was there the day he rode peahi and it was anything but small

[@bonbondesel]

@@purekush2536 I'm not saying that he is not a charger and unable to ride giant waves. He is one of the few people on the planet to be able to ride giant waves with so much high level surfing. But he is not one of the specialists of the discipline.

[@adamlorden5666]

they never said u sucked ... they said you weren't ready for that situation.

[@dinoarmazem9835]

Very much impressed with her calm positive attitude to easy critics who forget the dedication, commitment and strength of this strong willed lady !

[@davestuddaman8127]

Uh she almost died And he'd been doing it for longer than she's been alive So.....hmm

[@calvincooley1074]

Her "strong will" nearly got her killed.

[@johnbirch104]

To be honest I’ve never seen laird Hamilton or Kelly Slater surf Nazare

[@williamcorpuz9591]

Kelly Slater is not a Big Wave Surfer. He said it's not for him. A few years back, Laird Hamilton used his foil board at Nazare. Check out the footage on KZbin.

[@kauaifishing1365]

Knowing when not to send it is as important as going

[@Hittdogg17]

The separation is in the preparation...

[@sandyordille6132]

The men will always try to convince you you are not good enough. Don’t accept their unsubstantiated medical diagnosis. You are an amazing strong and blessed woman athlete. Your genetics date back to the beginning of human race. Never let the naysayers put you down. Come back stronger, with a better team and forget what the second guessers say about you.

[@matthewmacleod3655]

Clearly you are not a big wave surfer hahahahahahahahahahahahahahhah

[@GLamoRousCooKie]

THIS.

[@GLamoRousCooKie]

@@matthewmacleod3655 Clearly you are not either. And Maya already proved you wrong by breaking a world record and flawlessly and self assured at that. Bugger off.

[@spearfisherman308]

@@GLamoRousCooKie they weren’t telling her to be discouraging but out of concern you can see the full segment where laird talks about it and it doesn’t come of as his saying it because she’s a girl.

[@inplantsPhilippines]

We surfers are like this with our sport. If I’m in a spot and not handling it, someone will tell me.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

Tell that to Laurie Towner and other men who almost died surfing big waves (and some of them did die). When it happens to a man, they treat it as an unfortunate work accident. But when it's a woman, she's treated as if she doesn't belong there. Double-standard is a funny thing.

[@TheThemattyo1]

She matched them in being fearless, she surfs where they surf ; when your good they will always say insecure things about you. Maya is from another star system "

[@JL-fx5cm]

Ron Jeremy never warns people about size.

[@bobh1208]

Cuz he's soft... according to co-stars. (Could explain the rape allegation, too.)

[@DiscGoStu]

Tow surfing has allowed people with more bravery than skill to put themselves into positions they otherwise would not be in: There is zero argument there, it’s the truth. These surfers are simply looking out for one such person, who they feel may get herself or others killed or seriously injured. Now, for her to take their criticism personally and cut two living legends out of her life over it indicates that Maya is the one who’s letting her ego define her actions, not Kelly and Laird IMO

[@cameronavery526]

I think Kelly offered very fair criticisms to be honest. It is bigger than you, and you are endangering the individuals around you when they have to charge in and rescue you in such violent surf. I'm sure they would have / and probably have said the same thing to their male counterparts who are surfing waves that are above their skill level. Don't really agree with the narrative that their criticism was ego-driven.Just my take on it.

[@dirtcastle]

Well, we have the example of the Code Red swell in Tahiti. Did Kelly DM everyone who went out that day?

[@RavenAndrew1]

@@dirtcastle they have been saying it for years that too many ski's and people out with no skill

[@dirtcastle]

@@RavenAndrew1 True. People have been complaining for sure. But I haven't heard any examples of prominent surfers being singled out the way Maya was. Who specifically was singled out? I do know that some ski partners were singled out this past winter, but everyone saw the footage (of the airborne skis at the outer north shore reef) and so it was more people being identified rather than singled out.

[@RavenAndrew1]

@@dirtcastle it was an emotional respone due to too many ski's out in the water, they had a go at Maya's ski partner too. I'm sure looking back they would have said it differently and not called her out directly

[@carlost3011]

Even though I respect Laird and Slater very much as surfers, you have to wonder whether they were suggesting she should have stopped because she was a woman and were concerned for her well being? Lots of male surfers wipe out and have to be rescued. They also put other people and themselves in danger. Was Carlos Burle's judgement off? Besides all this Maya must of known what she was getting into and probably took full responsibility, which means she was prepared to die. She doubted herself for a moment, and decided to keep at it and not listen to the criticism, now she has achieved greatness!

[@Paul11B2P]

Laird is absolutely right. She’s lucky she’s alive.

[@bobh1208]

And Laird is lucky he's got a ski... because you don't see him paddling in at max-paddle-able Jaws. Would be less ironic criticism, coming from someone like Dorian.

[@ryanlowe988]

She is lucky to be alive. But they are all lucky to be alive. Jaws and Mavericks are full of people that shouldn't be there. Difference is she took her lumps and kept coming back. They all have a near drowning story Dorian, Nathan Fletcher , Kohl Christensen. They all learned from it and adjusted their game. My honest opinion everyone knows it's going to hurt a little bit more if we lose a woman, a sister, a daughter, a girlfriend or wife and heaven forbid a mother. That being said to some little girl out there she's going to be the Laird in that girl's eyes. 🙏🏼 Go Maya do your thing👊🏼

[@kalikokahoonei4781]

@@bobh1208 laird is pushing retirement age and he’s paddles into more waves than she’s probably seen in her life I think they are just being honest and speaking what they see

[@bobh1208]

@@kalikokahoonei4781 But they didn't dare call out the male kooks out there directly, for fear? that one of them might not be such a kook on land. And, don't tell me that they haven't seen MORE of those in tow situations. Also, I wasn't really counting paddling in with a PADDLE. All of this could have been avoided if Laird had ever figured out how to do a competent bottom turn.

[@nairdazitro7460]

@@bobh1208 Laird is 57 lol, he has proved enough in his youth.

[@nelsonluisfreire8969]

If Kelly and Laird were REALLY concerned about Maya, they should contact her directly. NEVER in social media. It looks like they were like giving a professor speech, where the listeners would be in Awe. Thus, advantages to them, not to Maya. They certainly have very big Egos.

[@rogerdat7807]

I disagree. They have a responsibility to call out STUPID & DANGEROUS risk taking in the arena they have both mastered. Their public comments likely saved another glory hound from getting killed, or risking the lives of those involved in the glory hunt. She is VERY luck to be alive and should be agreeing with them in humility.

[@nelsonluisfreire8969]

@@rogerdat7807 You did not understand what I wrote. I am calling the form, not the warning

[@rogerdat7807]

@@nelsonluisfreire8969 Who sets the form?

[@nelsonluisfreire8969]

@@rogerdat7807 By "form" I mean "way"

[@flaviopitanga65]

Surfing there is no second chance. But it is her choice and we must respect that.

[@craigbielsky115]

NO RESPECT FOR THOSE THAT DONT RESPECT THEMSELVES.

[@wilhelminev]

@@craigbielsky115, You mean all big wave surfers and extreme sports athletes?

[@stephenburpo7755]

Kelly and lairds criticism may have saved her life.

[@stevemassarone1470]

Sometimes truth hurts feelings. Sometimes ambition outweigh talent.

[@lucaamerico]

Everyone deserve respect first of all. Nobody is better than another. she can do whatever she wants with her life.....the ocean still a free place !! Selfish thoughts !!

[@christimko9296]

Here’s an idea, maybe contact Laird Hamilton and ask him too train you and teach you the skills needed to conquer the big waves.

[@latinoamericano45]

Hahaha you don’t who this girl is, do you?

[@ross2142]

Roach from Point break said it best”You can’t just call time-out if you don’t like the way things are going and just scroll up to the beach”Thank you 😁

[@michaelfarar4232]

Gee, thanks Bodi!

Grandes lendas do esporte, oq eu não significa que estão sempre certos. Resumindo: #ChupaKelly #ChupaLaird

[@johnmcinnes6644]

I think if we have multiple incidents that might be seen as unqualified people getting out on the water and endangering themselves we might very well have local lawyers rushing to enact legislation to “protect” all of us and we all know how that usually turns out. If Slater stays out of the water you should too!

[@jjfattz]

You would be hard pressed to find two individuals with more first hand expertise on surfing, especially big waves than LAIRD HAMILTON and KELLY fricking SLATER. The fact that she just got her feelings hurt and brushed aside their advice is sad. She should feel extremely fortunate that they took the time to give her difficult but important advice.

[@AudraGibson]

For big wave surfing? Laird, yes. Kelly, no. He’s the GOAT for sure, but not who I think of at all when it comes to big waves. I think it’s very clear she did consider what each of them said. The fact that she disagrees with them doesn’t make her disrespectful or mean she brushed them off. Kelly at least took the right course by reaching out directly. Laird putting her on blast while she was still healing was pretty tone deaf.

[@seandillon933]

@@AudraGibson pretty sure Kelly won the Eddy

[@delmanglar]

I agree

[@delmanglar]

Surfing big waves without a jetski is what prepares you for a bad situation while towing in

[@craigbielsky115]

@@AudraGibson LAIRD DID NOT PUT HER ON BLAST ....THE REPORTER WHO ASKED LAIRD THE QUESTION PUT HER ON BLAST...LAIRD JUST ANSWERED HONESTLY....

[@DoubleRR44]

So I guess telling the truth is a bad thing now

[@gabrielagarcia2959]

no but discrediting someone is lame lol i just think he could’ve said that privately

[@zrizzle19]

No. Not being polite and having no empathy is a bad thing.

[@jackhammer0101]

@@gabrielagarcia2959 women don't belong there.. Deal with it.

[@gabrielagarcia2959]

@@jackhammer0101 lol i can tell u dont surf, or at least not well anyway

[@sandroinocencio1623]

@Billy Klineerson keep playing Mário kart

[@jasong9502]

Humble... I don't see that in her

[@Johnny-wr1wp]

Maya should humble herself and listen to what they are saying. Their words are correct.

[@ericmancuso5328]

I couldn’t agree more……

[@JoeKaye959]

Are they humble ? Why shoud she be ? Because she's a woman ?

[@Johnny-wr1wp]

@@JoeKaye959 yes they are humble and everyone should be humble especially when others with more experience bless you with helpful insights.

[@AmericanTestConstitution]

This woman has surfed a bigger wave than Laird ever has.

[@txdunn]

He never said she sucked

[@joeynice123]

Well answered. A pro.

[@bobh1208]

This is why Jeremy Flores, even though he's got a case of ferret face, has as much respect from Hawaiians as Kelly, and more than Laird and Maya... because those who know can tell he's someone who, without bragging about it, would've genuinely surfed sketchy Indian Ocean reefs by himself growing up, no jet skis and no glory, and fully responsible for himself. Not that he's their hero... but IS someone they can respect. And, is someone who can respect the fact that Johanne Defay rips hard enough that it would not have done for her to fall off tour just for lack of support. Especially since it is probably still illegal to surf in her homeland, this century. Jeremy's solution? Support her on tour. Kelly's "solution"? Propose that they start culling bull sharks on Reunion... as if one maneater left would not be one too many... instead of simply and sensibly jailing the hell out of anyone who dumps garbage on the reefs there... given that there were not ANY fatal bull shark attacks on surfers there last century. (In other words, Kelly is not the final word in ocean sense... nobody is.)

[@theprinceoftides6836]

WTF, did Kelly really say that?,, For a guy who's been surfing in Great White infested California,n beaches most of his life, that really surprises me.

[@cwr8618]

Cully Slaughter

[@douglaspinsak1246]

From the way she talks, it sounds like she shouldn't have been in those conditions.

[@GabrielFreitas30]

Kelly sent a DIRECT MESSAGE in twitter and she was hurt in her feelings??? God!

[@kastelvetro1491]

her uterus pride was wounded, like all modern women today now that women have no free ride or perch at the expense of men they really struggle with us not lying to them anymore, they asked for it they got it, its a great time to be a man a great time to be a girl, but women around the wall really do have the 500 hundred yard stare and tone to their voices still wishing they could be molycoddled for being not fat and dumb.

[@keenanvanzile]

Big Respect for Maya, you never know unless you go for it... so many can never speak to that in life!

[@Spance-er]

Kelly is the goat, Laid is a legend. Outa here with the sexist BS already. They saw someone they thought wasn't ready to be out there, guy or girl, who cares. They cared. They cared enough to mention it.

[@Spance-er]

@@mahnli totally, and where's she from? They must be racist too!!

[@johnbirch104]

Considering she’s out there with no other females that’s pretty damn impressive

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Laird was misunderstood. He was opinionated that day.

[@darrenmarney8577]

It's called situational awareness & all of the questions involved with a particular engagement of activitie should have been considered & calculated 🤔 Specifically people trying to achieve sponsorship of stupidity are liabilities 🤫

[@rosamrc923]

No one should decide what Maya needs to do, except Maya. Men's patronizing is a habit to be broken. Maya is a damn smart woman and it's her choice (and her team's) to take her chances, including death.

[@dennismull147]

Never saw Keply Hater surf Nazare, come to think of it.In my job,a mistake will have you 6 feet under and immediately,she has all the skills and remember that you learn from any and every Thing.dont stop, you are good.

[@favorites51066]

Wow interesting interview. But I hope everyone knows what a legend and badass she is!

[@tomeskdale2642]

Kelly has lost multiple friends to drownings in big wave situations. This wasn't ego, this was genuine wisdom, care and knowledge. If she had anything about her she would have taken that on humbly instead of mocking his lack of courage.

[@RavenAndrew1]

Guts for surfing it but clearly wasn't ready.

[@canihazburgers]

Laird was bang on about his comments - she’s not skilled enough. Simple. She’s more upset because he said it publicly and she just needs to get over it. No one wants to see her kill herself out there and overall that’s the bigger picture here.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

Maya Gabeira Broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Wave By a Woman in 2020 | 73.5 Feet at Nazaré. Y'all should shut the f*#k up.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

@@gumbymofugga It's not up to Laird or Kelly to decide whether or not she should be riding those waves. The person who towed her in (and who still does for that matter) was Carlos Burle, one of the best big-wave riders in the planet who, by the way, was also a target of Laird's jealousy and bitterness for possibly breaking a new world record on big-wave riding. I didn't see any of these fools talking shit about Laurie Towner when he almost died in Teahupoo. I don't give a shit they are surf legends. It doesn't make them less sexist.

[@marciodeabreu2684]

@@gumbymofugga Sorry, my previous response was meant to go to canihazburgers.

[@lattifha]

She´s lucky to be alive

[@benburnett2706]

Maya is straight talking shit, don’t almost die in front of legends

[@godisbollocks]

Steudtner thinks that "the criticism was fueled by Hamilton’s and Slater’s large egos taking a hit, as Gabeira was earning more attention in the sport"? More attention than Laird and Kelly? Nah.

[@genewest8426]

My respect for your skills Maya

[@genewest8426]

@Dick White she can out surf you brah

[@peterjbrown71]

What a shame, she just doesn’t get it. When 2 of the best ever tell you that you are putting others in danger, time to check yourself. Too much ego.

[@johannatheone]

That "Little girl" surfed the biggest wave of the year 2020 in Nazaree

[@woodnbikes]

Kelly chickens out on a lot of swells. Hell he just gave up his spot in the Eddie contest last week cause he was scared. Maya is better than 90% of the male surfers on the planet, and has more balls than all of them. She definitely crushes egos....And the best part is she proved them all wrong!