On the morning of February 23, 2025, professional surfer Makai McNamara got seriously injured after a wipeout at the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The family reported he is recovering from the injury at the hospital.
Highlights
- Makai McNamara faced severe injury around 9:00 am on February 23, 2025, at Northshore, Oahu, Hawaii.
- After receiving first aid, he was rushed to the hospital. Makai’s father reported that he is recovering from the injury.
- Makai’s father, Liam, is a Pipe legend and renowned in Hawaii surfing.
30-Year-old, Makai McNamara encountered a serious injury on the morning around 9:00 am of February 23, 2025, Hawaii Standard Time (HST).
Officials reported sketchy details that Makai took off a draining insider in a stacking 8-12′ WNW’r; Makai likely hit the bottom of his board and was knocked out.
Luckily, a firefighter gave Makai CPR while in the water. Later, lifeguards brought McNamara back to shore, and fellow surfers also helped in the rescue.
Moreover, Makai McNamara was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Hours later, Makai’s family reported to the media that he was recovering and was in stable condition.
Fans are praying for the quick recovery of the young surfer. Similarly, netizens are praised for the brave work of the lifeguards and surfers in saving Makai’s life. One of them writes,
The North Shore Watermen are the best in the world!!!!️ Praying for Makai and y’all continue to stay safe on the watch
Coming from a surfer family background, Makai started surfing in his childhood. He has been professionally involved in it since his junior tournaments.
Earlier this year, in January 2025, McNamara participated in the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, where Team Japan and Koa Rothman emerged victorious.
Makai McNamara Is The Eldest Son Of Pipe Legend Liam McNamara And Mother Brandee McNamara
McNamara was born and raised in a family of surfing enthusiasts. His father, Liam McNamara, is a Pipe Legend who began surfing at age nine after moving with his family to Hawaii.
Moreover, Liam is known for his expertise at Pipe and other big wave surf spots. He has been a key figure in the Hawaiian surf scene for decades.
Liam has used his success to strengthen the North Shore community and sponsor several up-and-coming local surfers.
Together with his wife, Brandee McNamara, owner of Seamaids Beach Boutique, Makai McNamara’s parents have sponsored over 100 aspiring Hawaiian surfers.
Liam and Brandee have two businesses in Haleiwa, Oahu, a surf and swimwear boutique and the 5000-square-foot North Shore Swim Shop.
Along with thier surfing business, Makai McNamara’s parents have supported young surfers in pursuing their dreams.
Similarly, Liam also coached his three children, including Makai, in surfing. Through the father’s proper guidance and instructions, Makai has gained significant recognition in the surfing community.
In a WSL interview, Makai gave respect to his father for the upbringing he mentions,
My dad have definitely made a good path for me, but you can’t just think you’re the man because of someone else’s accomplishments.
Makai McNamara
Makai McNamara further speaks,
Now, all of his accomplishments in surfing give me motivation to do better. Like how my dad won the Pipe Pro and Pipe Master trials many times, it just makes me want to do the same things and beyond!”
Makai McNamara
At the moment, the McNamara family has been praying for the proper and successful recovery of their son Makai McNamara.
On their Instagram account, Makai McNamara’s father has asked fans to pray for Makai’s recovery and updated the public about his beloved son’s recovery process.
Additional Information
- Makai McNamara is the nephew of legendary Big Wave Champ Garret McNamara. He is best known for setting the world record for the largest wave ever surfed.
- Makai is the older brother to Eddie Aikau Champ Landon McNamara. Landon is also a musician. He has another younger brother named Ledgen McNamara.
