Boardistan readers may remember what we said the day (January 29, 2013) images appeared of Garrett McNamara riding what was at the time reported as a “100-foot wave” in Nazaré, Portugal. We mentioned that it seemed that the measuring sticks were getting shorter and shorter.
Now, McNamara, who is a gifted, hardworking big wave surfer, has removed his wave from the Billabong XXL Awards after images appeared that made the wave look much, much, smaller, according to a story on ESPN.com/Action. Here’s what McNamara told Jake Howard.
“We decided to pull my waves from Nazare out of Billabong XXL because I do not ride for Billabong and I did not go out that day and surf for a world record or to win any XXL prize money,” said McNamara via email. “I was out there because I live for big waves, it’s what I love to do!! It is not necessary to have a Billabong panel measure it. There have already been quite a few educated professionals who have measured it anywhere between 60-110 feet!”
As always, we never argue with guys who ride waves that big. Respect to Mr. McNamara.
[Link: ESPN.com/Action]
