Maya Gabeira's Brush with Death | The Biggest Surf Story of the Year

On October 29, one of the largest swells in recent memory hit Nazaré, off Portugal's majestic coast.
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It attracted big-wave surfers from around the world, including two of the most admired, Carlos Burle and Maya Gabeira. If you follow the news closely, you probably know what happened. If you don't, here's a quick recap: Carlos surfed what many believe to be the largest wave ever surfed, while Maya nearly drowned as she charged what could have been the largest wave ever surfed by a woman.
#redbull #surfing #nazaré
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[@StefanSu91]

To the people who never surfed before, when you see a 5 foot wave you might say it's small, but actually surfing waves and feeling the full force of the ocean is different. A 5 foot wave might feel like a monster. I can't even begin to explain the size of balls people have by surfing these waves. Amazing.

[@audiman2201]

The only thing amazing about this is she is ALIVE! Balls..ahh she is a girl I hope she has no balls! Maybe you like girls with penis? If she is experienced in riding waves at this level and speed, well done, congrats! I can see her courage to ride the big wave. But this wave was two times bigger then she had ever previously ridden...this is crazy and stupid!

[@SAMEntalhealth]

stefan speidel I've done 12 foot. Huge, monsters, imagine these bro! I'm afraid of heights lmao

[@nyyankees4296]

So true

[@surferpam1]

When you're prone on your board paddling out a *ripple* is "overhead"...so 5' can be daunting.

[@MrTwat144]

I surfed some small waves before probably 3-5ft and when you fall off its crazy how you're tossed around

[@hurleycapetown8420]

My heart literally sank when she took that second wave on the head , she must have had angels watching over her because nobody survives that.

[@Psytripification]

+Hurley Cape town So true

[@woozywoods]

The documentary on HBO about Nazare shows this story more in depth. The team had never been to Nazare before and some safety standards were ignored. Normally you have 2 jet-skis out there and someone spotting from the shore with binoculars radioing to the jet skiers they didn’t have either of these just the one ski. What this fails to show you is when she is floating facedown in the water for a few minutes and Carlos’s failed attempts picking her up with the ski resorts to him driving back to the beach and wading out into the waist deep water to finally pull her to shore. She really shouldn’t be alive…

[@OrionBlaze]

Carlos is a mf arrogant narcissist. Can’t believe no one has directly blamed him for this mess

[@flipadeck]

So many people commenting on how she shouldn't of been out there.Who are you to judge!She trains harder than most and has the attitude and courage to take on these waves,so let her do what she does best and applaud it .She handled it so well,much respect!

[@GlassGenius]

Ryan Smith I like how you think Ryan. I agree. And Fuck narrow minded haters just using this as an excuse to preach self righteous bullshit.

[@flipadeck]

+JWG@Large If you used half the energy you do on other people chasing their dreams you may reach yours.

[@andrealittle8355]

That's bull....philosophy.We all have just ONE life.

[@ralfm7989]

Yeah, nihilistic, self-centered dreams that risk your only life with the possibility of missing out on all the beautiful, meaningful things life has to offer and risk the pain you cause to all your loved ones. It's her life, her choice, but don't expect me to admire her choices, or admire those other surfers out there.

[@Julcisko]

+ralf m so in your opinion is a better choice to live empty, but safe life? If you live an unsatisfied life you can cause the pain to your loved ones as well, with your depression, grumpy attitude, etc.

[@ggonsg]

You're my HEROINE!!!! Thank you for sharing your INSPIRATIONAL story. Very touching!!

[@TheHelloDonk]

Is anyone actually going to comment without saying wether they're first or not? Respect the video guys, this was a powerful story of an incredible surfer who almost lost her life. It takes balls to attempt a wave that big. Balls that I can only dream of having. Kudos to Maya and her team. Great video as usual RedBull

[@derekrichardt]

"I love it, I would do everything again" "Me too!" That's some awesome passion.

[@kefmurray7661]

ok everyone is negative her goal in life is to ride big waves and get pitted. If she dies doing what she loves then did she really fail at life.

[@jimmaaayj]

This is truly awesome. Much respect for Maya G. I'm also not seeing enough Red Bull product placement here. Can we have more next time? Thanks a bunch!

[@mohannadomar970]

+Jimmy J hahahaha a red bull clock is missing on the wall as well hahahahaha

[@moriah1394]

@diver dave Yes and a lot of kids drink it and it is very bad for them but hey ...gets her a mercedes and a luxury lifestyle while risking her life...oh wait other vocations risk their lives too and don't promote crap products and drive mercedes. Not her fault and system is broken.

[@SurfingBullDog]

Girl is recounting a near death experience and Red Bull producers insist she wear that stupid hat and forces both of them to hold Red Bull cans.

[@eoinmcbrien5347]

Maybe she likes wearing hats and drinking red bull

[@Bierz808]

They can easily get up to and over 50mph. So pretty much highway speeds! Glad you made it through this maya! Can't wait to see you break the women's world record, we'll be watching.

[@PaulBunyun]

WOW I WONDER WHO SPONSORED THIS WONDERFUL VIDEO

[@claudelatorre6818]

Paul Bunyun red bull

[@andreamartins9230]

clau delatorre i think he ment it as a joke😉

[@jasonjackson5696]

Tampons

[@Misterdred3]

So many people who say that she is stupid or something like that have never do extrem sport like that. They don't know how it feels, how it is but they think that they have to decide for her what she had to do. They know nothing.. It's her own decision. And all my mistakes can u ignore

[@Misterdred3]

my grammar mistakes

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

You can edit your posts you know.

[@jackjones8363]

The sheer terror of sensing the second wave about to strike you when you're struggling to breathe from the battering of the first...

[@LurgsHowToGuides]

Wow, she is one lucky lady, some people don't come out of that alive. Respect to both of them

[@tiffsaver]

What a courageous woman, and kudos to her rescuers. Incredible.

[@noteynote4873]

I'm even afraid entering the deep end of the swimming pool.

[@timmybarker9628]

She is a fighter, and very lucky to have survived here and Tahiti

[@DanAlejandrino]

This is so scary. I'd be too scared to surf something like this

[@bonnieruth8820]

I will never understand a woman like this. She's just plain crazy. That's just crazy. All I can say I have alot of awe and respect for someone who loves something sooo dangerous and scary so much.

[@soronefabrik1]

redbull, redbull everywhere

[@danm4502]

I know, no-one with any sense even drinks the shit. But still, I'm glad they sponsor all these crazy people to do crazy shit:)

[@soronefabrik1]

dan m yea im also glad they do, i just found it funny how over saturated with their logo this video was :)

[@moriah1394]

yep and makes young people think it is good for them. she ought to have a conscience and find a different sponsor.

[@yamadog7460]

I think she has her percentages wrong. The jet ski put his life on the line in order to save hers. jet skis don't work in white water very well because foam isn't a good propellant. She didn't give him enough credit. floating to the surface isn't the hardest task in the world when you have a life jacket on.

[@nelsoncruzg]

The life vest exploded as well. I agree though about the percentages, 60%-40% would be a better way to thank Carlos.

[@hollyshet4169]

she lost the life jacket as soon as she wiped out, but you got a good point, I agree.

[@sydneygersbach9799]

U cant float well in white water bud

[@sydneygersbach9799]

Benjamin Goodlich bro i am a surfer, and in thick white water like that you dint float because it is just air bubbles

[@sydneygersbach9799]

Benjamin Goodlich the white water is what the wave makes when the lip hits but after a big set let alone 60 foot faces breaking on the water the white water stays behind and since you dont float well in it it challenging to get back onto the board

[@juleshitchen9089]

she's beautiful but I think the best thing is that she's not just about her looks, she's not superficial like what seems a lot of women, she has ambition and determination, she goes above and beyond for what she loves and that is far more attractive and respectful than just looks alone

[@powdergangster83]

The way they laugh it off at the end and say they would do it again,....yeah, they're crazy...and it's awesome

[@cjcar178]

This is awesome. Carlos and Maya make an awesome team. Maya is is an incredible surfer and absolutely beautiful. I hope for a speedy recovery!

[@johnswimcat]

It,s not for me to say whether Maya should be out there in conditions like this but I would like to say that I respect her without reservation

[@Scoot4lifenow14]

Wow the editing in this video is stunning I admire the filmers and photographers for red bull:)

[@DKNZ7]

wow u got balls girl. u cant hate on her. this is a surfers dream to ride waves like this. to survive a wipe out in that and come through. speaks volumes in its self to her courage!!!!

[@artemis1style]

And skill. She trained for wipeout.

[@TSIXGaming]

i watched some other ski rescues the ski should slow down and stop next to the surfer so they have chance to grab on but he was going to fast and spun the ski over the top of her looks like she got towed most of the way back in underwater :/

[@RivalJohnnie]

The sponsor plugs in this video are the least subtle things I've ever seen. Let's drink some Red Bull, put on our Red Bull hats, hop on some Red Bull jet skis with Red Bull flags and hit the waves

[@1Cocknose1]

To surf these big waves as a woman it cannot be easy, If you look at Laid Hamilton he is what a big wave rider should look like He is 6ft 3" 215lb and very strong. On the other hand Maya Garberia is like 5ft 4" and 135lb I think and with the waves at Nazare when they get big they are ferocious with such energy and short lasting she has a massive disadvantage. With her weight she is fighting with the waves when they get big because they are sucking her up to the crest a heavier person with travel down quicker it is just physics. If you look at all the big wave pioneers they have been strong, heavy people Greg Noll and Laird for example. The famous wave Laird surfed at Teahupoo is a prime example of how his weight helped him so much a lighter person would have be struggling to ride it and likely been sucked up to the crest and wiped out. I am not taking anything away from maya she is a brilliant surfer and person with massive courage and I am not criticizing her because she is a far better surfer than i will ever be but this is just my opinion on big wave surfing and the advantages the people have over others.

[@magorkel1746]

+Iain Clark yes, women are not the equal.

[@magorkel1746]

***** girl compete on a curve

[@1Cocknose1]

***** The same would be said about a small man I am not sexist, but IMO she is on the edge of risking her life if she continues Big Wave riding, she has nearly killed herself twice. Everyone has the free will to do what they want but when you have a Red Bull sponsorship you have more pressure on yourself. Surfing isn't about money or glory and its definitely not about idols its much more deeper than that and the person who rides a 5 foot wave is just as equal as the person who rides a 70ft wave. Do men have a advantage in Sport? of course they do they have testosterone coursing through there body they are bigger stronger and faster that is not sexism that is a fact.

[@Iam-mq4sc]

Iain Clark you're right obviously, there's nothing sexist about stating a fact. Maya even has said the same thing in regards to the difference between men and women surfers. She works her arse off to do what she is passionate about, for the love of it. I wish her a long and fulfilling life. As a women who does not surf, but has an affinity with water I can appreciate where she is coming from.

[@bodybalancer]

In that case maybe in future she should wear weights. Doesn't mean she can't do it

[@matildagarrood1743]

Red bull here, red bull there, red bull sponsors everywhere

[@markcreamer4649]

A huge amount of respect to maya and carlos Laird and kelly are dinosaurs They had there turn in the lime light Its carlos and mayas turn Im supporting and rooting you both on

[@PacoRodriguezfrSpain]

When the rescue ski dragged her by the tow rope, that was what caused her to stop breathing. Jet ski pilot should have activated the quick release preventing her from being dragged under water for meters

[@virtue696]

Quick release of what? the tow rope?

[@PolarBearVENICE]

She got worked

[@markstrutt2507]

Unreal to see her back absolute legend hardcore love her

[@Q.Q.]

Awesome! The last 30 seconds of the video was awesome, made the whole video that much more awesome. Did I mention the video was awesome?...

[@breeze344]

Twice the guy on the wave runner missed her. rather than make a wide arc circle for her to grab the rope in her present condition he had time to get in closer and grab her and pull her on board. Its just his fault that she got into deep trouble,

[@ichcheekok2866]

Paul O'Reilly He saved her life, you idiot.

[@GlassGenius]

dave chandler Have you driven a ski in the currents of 50 foot plus surf? Best Shut the fuck up then.

[@sotabaka]

when was your last 100foot jetsky ride?

[@sharktooth2888]

dave chandler ya man he's timid on that ski..wouldn't get in close..needs more hours on a big machine.

[@Morpheen999]

Need to have a GPS on the sea doo for tracking down surfers in these types of situations!!!

[@danm4502]

Next year that will come about...

[@kimrecreant]

Maya and Carlos both awesome.

[@dianebays5484]

I guess people surf those big waves because they're there. I really admire these surfers. You go, young lady, go!

[@joeherald7319]

This woman is fearless. Wouldn't it have been possible for the Red Bull marketing squad to tone down the sales pitch during this interview? They are telling about a near death experience and they have to pitch product like they're on the shopping channel. Very Crass.

[@gaetantringham2242]

Emotional video realy good

[@olivierkoster]

i dont wanna be that guy but i feel obligated to help the ones who don't speak english yet but... really* ;p

[@adamt253]

A very close call indeed. She should stick to smaller waves.

[@jaywar69]

Surfing talent aside... Maya is an absolute beauty!

[@robertthorpe2748]

I love ur positivity ur one of a kind godbless🙏

[@TheHolden20]

Thanks to Monster Beverage for this awesome docu.

[@nickmccullough7955]

so much respect to the both of them.

[@georgiasurtees4489]

Wow, those waves were so big, I wouldn't last 5 seconds out there. I don't know how she survived after being hammered by all that white water

[@pazful]

there is nothing more important than life or death. she put everything on the line for this. nothing but hand claps. amazing

[@Epillon]

Those waves are so enormous it's insane. People can't comprehend it if they've never been out in the open ocean. Those are 4 story buildings they're surfing on. Charge on.

[@olenduschannel7714]

Hi friend, nice sharing so interesting love it 💕

[@jonwilliam4548]

She broke an ankle. How many guys broke an ankle that day. She weights 115 pounds. She was dead if not for the men who saved her on the beach that gave her CPR and M2M. Carlos knows he did something wrong it’s all over his face. He drown her on the way into the sand by dragging her through very heavy currents instead of getting her on the ski. Have another Red Bull Carlos maybe you can catch another wave after your partner or rather sacrifice just cane inches from death. These athletes think training saved them it was a miracle. Shame on you Carlos.

[@liudizzle]

I would've had zero sympathy if she didn't make it, riding waves this big is just stupid and senseless.

[@isacarvalho7267]

She's amazing! No matter what, she's brave an that's it!!! Amazing woman!!!

[@williamtaylorwinn6720]

the waters no Joke..¡m glad you pulled it off.

[@gerarddevanny2720]

The driver failed her. What's amazing is the wave chop making her bounce dropping into that thing broke her ankle. The driver should be thankful she survived.

[@pedrao420]

have you ever drove a jetski running from waves that are as high as a 10 storey building seeing a friend of your that you know for YEARS literally dying in front of you?

[@gideonram4607]

Very warming and touching Maya is special. Look at how she looks at Carlos very endearing!

[@JohnJohn-sn5kd]

One badass girl. We love you sweetheart, keep it up!

[@steveblundell1218]

The fact that she went is huge, but the fact he had multiple chances to put her on the sled and most likely drown her pulling her through the white water not clear water says to me he just used her for himself and you can see it in his eyes. He used her to boost redbull, himself and her. Find another partner girl!!

[@14Danceric]

+Steve Blundell Yes, and he went right back out to catch more waves once she was in the hospital?

[@steveblundell1218]

+Callum Nickson I am from Ventura Ca. I have surfed for almost thirty years. Every one has there opinion and that's mine. She should have been on the beach!

[@jonwilliam4548]

Spot on. Her ankle breaks because it’s half the size of mine and she only weights 100 pounds. This is jackass on surfboards and this Carlos guy absolutely made this happen. Like you said his eyes tell the tale. He goes back out??? He is a total phony. Your right about drowning her. She was conscience enough to hold on until she wasn’t which was very near the shore. He’s lucky she Survived otherwise that was on him all the way. I’d do it again. Hi five. Haha. Have another Red Bull Carlos the sellout.

[@anselhiggins7665]

Amazing

[@TheLastGunslinger]

thank god they can have a Red Bull and talk about it

[@aaliahs8269]

OMG. She is incredible...

[@wessongroup]

She got lucky on that one ... very dangerous place IMO

[@Dinero_2x]

I WANT TO GET REDBULLS ATTENTION JUST TO SAY THAT I LOVE YOU GUYS KBYE

[@Grehund]

Wow, amazing. That's one tough chick. That would've been very scary.

[@PacificExpressions]

We all float down here

[@danm4502]

These two aren't very humble are they. It annoys me when people over analyse a situation in hindsight..I doubt anything was going through her mind about "knowing she would have to rely on instincts to keep her alive" I doubt very much at all was going through her mind after that wipeout..

[@Zephyr467]

The reply system is rooted so I can't reply to the pleb saying that that wave is small and generally talking shit. You clearly don't surf, that wave is the messiest meanest point break i've seen, and I don't think anyone commenting on this video including myself would run that wave, this chick is charging a wave that is easily big enough to cause her to hit the bottom, drown, break bones (as proven), tear muscles and possibly the worst thing for a surfer, cause her to wipe out in a way that will emotionally stop her from surfing, and yeah she wiped out but, she did so on a wave that I wouldn't even think of surfing, if it's any more than 9 ft and sucking or pulling hard then I won't go out, not because i'm scared but because i know i'm not good enough.

[@jpmtlhead39]

Andrew Cotton,at Nazare....The most scariest,powerful, wipe out ever.This guy,in that day,had GOOD besides him...no dout.the scariest thing i ever seen.only a broken back,in the middle,of an "Nuclear blast" Unbeliveble.Great Adrew Cotton.

[@eganc1976]

awesome job promoting the sponsors while telling your story. ...really frames the realness

[@jjs4you2]

It's rather strange that both of them would make a point to tell everyone that if it wasn't for themselves it may have turned out differently? Usually after such a harrowing experience you are to humbled to "thank" yourself.......Maybe that's part of their up-bringing as Brazilians?

[@domenicoeliobressanello6770]

I really fail to understand the reason why people surf at Nazare I've been surfing for 12 years and can understand the beauty of a place like Pipeline, a mesmerising spot that produces breathtaking waves. Nazare isn't beautiful, isn't fun, any time you enter the waters there you are gambling and whilst that is the case with every spot in the world, I feel like there are no benefits to surfing those waves. If you make it "you escaped death" you didn't ride a magnificent wave, they are monsters

[@007Variable]

damn, no joke being on the inside of that monster...

[@kavoksailing]

One has to know when the limits are reach. She clearly reach hers, not only physicaly but also in her ability. She just run away from the wave and did not really surf the wave... There is a big difference in skills and commitment between one being pulled at full speed and going straight down a big wave not looking back and hoping to outrun the wave and the one to chose deliberatly to do the bottom turn and confront the wave and surf it...

[@Wordsley]

These rock!

[@theAussie01]

Ahhhh...Gatorade....love that drink after hours surfing.

[@jefflayton10]

Well worth a watch for anyone seeking Inspiration & that extra push to achieve your goals. Are girls as tough as men? I think so!

[@gabkoost]

What do you mean? Attempting suicide? She clearly was not ready to face some of the most brutal waves in the world. That's not a goal. That's bad preparation.

[@unicyclerforlife24]

gosh it took them long enough

[@premeirePROductions]

hell yeah it did

[@nickbrennan3389]

What's carlos getting from this ?

[@thegadflygang5381]

I dont know who has the bigger balls here. I have been surfing forever and Nazarene isnt even in my wildest dreams of trying

[@asmanialani8054]

respect ocean now

[@Cipotesv.1951]

Emocionante....

[@tylerm608]

I wish I was that brave.

[@k1k06565]

PORTUGAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ct369]

Portugal the place of the accident such a honor huh? but no.

[@Phil.2-10]

Who puts himself in danger, perishes.

[@rawe945]

AMAAAAZIIIIIING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@moriah1394]

Wow. He was the one to say ...."Let's take this, its ours, no one else ..." Ah yeah, no one else for maybe a good reason. Dang. Did she have to rely on his saying when to go?

[@TiagoNYC]

I wonder if some ppl would go big wave riding on those hydrofoil boards. They eliminate the deadly bumps.

[@MyLoudNProud]

it was trippy lol wow shes a champion ima find a surfer wife

[@adamada101]

This guy can't drive a jet ski

[@xJacquelineBx]

i read about her in 'good night stories for rebel girls' :)

[@nncoco]

There is video of her making one of these choppy monsters. She could do it but it seems that this one caused her ankle to fail. I don't know if that's something they train for but surfing even small waves hits the feet very hard.

[@HBCult]

She is brave for her attempts, and passion pushes you past your limits. I say you go girl!

[@euripideesshreds]

Food chain sausages. We welcome everyone to our beach too , just don't die here.

[@JamesRockefeller45]

Horrible recovery by the guy on the ski and they should have had more than one

[@kavoksailing]

But hey who has not been in the same situation at least one time in his life, realising to late, ouch maybe i sould not be here. No doubts she got the courage, let just hope she learn from it and apraise her abilities and training as well as the one of her safety jetski rider...

[@Elodie_vera]

Wow it wasn’t even the wave that drowned her.. it was trying to get back to shore

[@czarnpg]

Nice, guys! you are bold.

[@surferpam1]

Kudos, Maya!

[@munirulalammahyudin5168]

great surfer maya

[@atila540]

You people are brave .