Garrett & Nicole McNamara

Big-Wave Surf Pioneers, Global Explorers & Purpose-Driven Speakers – Guinness World Record Holder Garrett & Partner Nicole, Advocates for Resilience, Risk, Nature and Team-Driven Leadership

Garrett & Nicole McNamara’s Biography:

Garrett McNamara is one of the world’s most legendary big-wave surfers and explorers, known for pushing the limits of size, risk and performance on the ocean. With multiple world records and expeditions that defy what most people consider possible, Garrett has built a career not only on physical courage but on mindset, teamwork and purpose. Nicole McNamara partners with Garrett in their foundation work, adventure expeditions, and inspiring leadership messages centred around connection, nature and community. Together, they bring a powerful story of human potential, partnership and passion.

Garrett began surfing at a young age and moved into the elite world of big-wave surfing, embracing tow-in techniques and huge swells at locations such as Nazaré in Portugal. His early career was defined by daring, innovation and the search for waves bigger than anyone else dared attempt. Nicole, meanwhile, has supported and collaborated in these journeys, bringing complementary focus to environment, community impact and leadership beyond sport. Their combined journey emphasises not just individual achievement but shared purpose.

Across decades, Garrett has broken records, ridden waves that astonish the world and faced extreme adversity—injuries, near-wipes, logistical complications, and the brutal forces of nature. He is a Guinness World Record holder for the largest wave ever surfed and has been featured in major media and the documentary series 100 Foot Wave. Nicole’s work alongside him—both in outdoor adventure, philanthropic efforts and lifestyle leadership- reinforces their message of resilience, teamwork and living with purpose. Today, they deliver keynotes and workshops to organisations seeking leadership, courage, partnership and sustainability themes.

As keynote speakers, Garrett & Nicole McNamara share insights from extreme environments, team dynamics in high-risk scenarios and the role of mindset in achieving extraordinary outcomes. They bring authenticity, high-impact stories and visual adventure to every talk, giving audiences tools to face fear, build collaboration and lead bold change.

Why Hire Garrett & Nicole McNamara?

Organisers book Garrett & Nicole McNamara for their exceptional credibility, thrilling story and dual-led partnership message. Garrett brings global recognition as a world-record-holding surfer and risk pioneer. Nicole brings depth in leadership, lifestyle impact and community focus. Together they deliver keynotes on resilience, teamwork, adventure leadership and sustainability. Their message resonates with corporate teams, leadership forums, adventure and entrepreneurial audiences alike, giving a rare lens of extreme sport multiplied into strategic insight.

Garrett & Nicole McNamara’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Garrett & Nicole’s career achievements:

• 2025 – Featured in season three of “100 Foot Wave,” showcasing new expeditions, ocean partnerships and further raising global awareness of big wave performance and coastal sustainability.
• 2023 – Expanded the McNamara Foundation’s programmes and continued delivering global talks on resilience, adventure leadership and environmental responsibility.
• 2022 – Reached new international audiences through speaking tours and major media features; Nicole strengthened foundation strategy and wellness-focused community work.
• 2017–2022 – Garrett earned multiple Guinness World Records at Nazaré, riding some of the biggest waves ever recorded. Nicole supported expedition planning, performance preparation and on-site environmental initiatives.
• 2011 – Garrett surfed the groundbreaking 78-foot wave at Nazaré, bringing worldwide attention to the region and redefining what was possible in big wave surfing.
• Early 2000s – Garrett pioneered tow-in surfing at Nazaré and surfed glacier-generated waves in Alaska, establishing new benchmarks in extreme surfing and exploration.
• 1990s–2000s – Garrett built a reputation as one of the world’s most innovative big wave athletes, influencing the development of modern surf training, safety and extreme performance.