Garrett McNamara, a fearless big wave surfer and documentary filmmaker, has built a name for himself by riding some of the most dangerous waves on the planet. With a current estimated net worth of $3 million, McNamara’s story is one of survival, passion, and record-setting moments in the surf world. Known for his incredible achievements, especially in Nazaré, Portugal, Garrett has also become a recognized figure through the Emmy-nominated HBO series 100 Foot Wave.
Early Life and Unusual Childhood
Garrett was born on August 10, 1967, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and has Irish heritage. His childhood was far from ordinary. Alongside his younger brother Liam, he spent time in Central America with their mother, where life was unstable. Garrett described living in a Christian cult led by a man who went by the name “Jesus Christ Lightning Amen.” During this time, the family gave up all material possessions, eating from trash bins and sleeping rough.
Eventually, the family returned to Berkeley, California, before settling in Oahu, Hawaii, in 1978. It was here that Garrett discovered surfing at the age of 11. By 17, he was competing in professional events and soon joined the surfing competition circuit with his brother Liam.
Breaking Into Big Wave Surfing
Garrett’s transition into big wave surfing came in the early 2000s with the rise of tow-in surfing. In 2002, after a year of training, he and Rodrigo Resende won the Tow Surfing World Cup and took home a $70,000 prize. Later that year, he gained attention with a barrel shot off the coast of Tahiti featured on major surf magazine covers.
He continued to push limits. In 2003, he rode a 20-foot barrel that had spectators fearing for his life. In 2007, he partnered with Keali’i Mamala to surf waves caused by glaciers calving in Alaska, a first-of-its-kind attempt captured in a documentary.
World Records and Nazaré Waves
Garrett cemented his place in surfing history in November 2011 when he surfed a 78-foot wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. He was towed into the wave by jet ski and earned a Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed at the time. Two years later, in 2013, he reportedly rode a 100-foot wave in the same location, though exact measurements were never officially confirmed.
His achievements in Nazaré became the basis for the HBO docuseries 100 Foot Wave, which premiered in 2021 and received a Primetime Emmy nomination. The series gave audiences a deeper look into McNamara’s fearless spirit and the intense training and risks that go into big wave surfing.
Injuries and Comebacks
Surfing giant waves isn’t without danger. In early 2016, McNamara suffered a serious wipeout on a 50-foot wave in California, resulting in a broken upper arm and a dislocated shoulder. He described the experience as one of the most intense wipeouts of his life. Despite the setback, Garrett’s passion for surfing never faded.
He also took an interest in Stand Up Paddle (SUP) surfing and designed boards to enhance the thrill. In 2009, he was invited to the ISA World Stand Up Paddle Surfing Championship, competing among only 32 selected surfers worldwide.
Documentaries and Books
Garrett didn’t just ride waves—he documented them. He directed The North Canyon: An Exploration by Garrett McNamara (2011) and GMac Big Wave Attack: North Canyon (2012). He also produced ZON North Canyon Show 2011: Nazaré Calling, The Glacier Project (2012), and Red Chargers (2017).
In 2016, he published a memoir titled Hound of the Sea: Wild Man. Wild Waves. Wild Wisdom. In it, he shared his wild adventures, deep spiritual journey, and his personal philosophy developed through decades of chasing waves.
Personal Life and Family
Garrett’s personal life has also been full of change. He was married to Konnie Pascual and had three children: Ariana Kaimana, Titus Waimea, and Tiari. Later, in 2012, he married Nicole Macias, a teacher in environmental sciences. They met in Portugal, both married at the time, but eventually started a new life together. They now have three children: Barrel, Theia Love Nazaré Celeste Rose, and Fe do Mar Strawberry Lucy.
The couple lives in Hawaii, where Garrett reportedly owns a waterfront property in Waialua. Public records show he bought the estate in 2012 for $3.5 million. It includes over 9,000 square feet of living space across multiple structures, with 12 bedrooms and 14.5 bathrooms. Though the current estimated value is lower at $2.3 million, it remains a prized piece of real estate on Oahu’s North Shore.
Career Highlights and Awards
Garrett has been recognized throughout his career for both his bravery and skill. Some of his top awards include:
- 2002: First place, Jaws World Cup Tow-in Surfing
- 2005 & 2006: Winner, North Shore and Nell Scott Tow Surfing Championships
- 2012: Guinness World Record for Largest Wave Surfed (78 feet)
- Multiple Billabong XXL Awards: Including Biggest Wave (2007, 2012) and Wipeout of the Year (2012)
- 2013: Received the Portuguese Navy Medalha Naval de Vasco da Gama
Final Thoughts
Garrett McNamara’s net worth of $3 million reflects a life built not just on success, but on sheer determination, courage, and love for the ocean. From a troubled childhood to becoming one of the most respected names in big wave surfing, Garrett’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.