This morning, during a truly massive swell in Nazaré, Portugal, professional surfer Maya Gabeira was knocked unconscious by a 70-foot wave. She lay in the shallows face down, immobile and unconscious where she was held under as waves rushed over her. Maya suffered a broken shin.
Her tow partner, Carlos Burle, picked her up from the spot where she lay floating, unconscious, and rushed her to the beach where she was resuscitated. Following an immediate trip to the hospital, Gabeira is expected to make a full recovery, but the visuals that accompanied her gruesome wipeout, and the ensuing punishment, will not be soon forgotten.
In the same session, Carlos Burle may have set a new world record for the biggest wave ever surfed. Photos documenting the massive session were snapped by Portuguese photographer Rui Boino.
Billabong XXL nominated Maya Gabeira’s wave as a wipeout contender for their 2014 awards. Video below.
