Makai McNamara (29) is Pipe Legend Liam McNamara’s 1st son… older brother of Eddie Aikau Champ Landon McNamara, and of course nephew of Legendary Big Wave Champ Garrett…Makai had to be revived on the beach at Pipe after a wipeout this weekend.
Sketchy details but in a stacking 8-12′ WNW’r, Makai took off a draining insider; Makai likely hit bottom or his board and was knocked out.
Luckily, a fire fighter gave CPR until lifeguards arrived.
In a WSL interview a few years ago Makai gave respect to his linage.
“My dad and uncle have definitely made a good path for me, but you can’t just think you’re the man because of someone else’s accomplishments.
It used to affect me a lot more because I felt like I would always get the raw end of the deal, but feeling bad for yourself doesn’t help anything.
Now, all of their 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!”
When asked if why he didn’t wear a helmet like his bro Landon he said in the WSL interview:
“I get asked this a lot, and it kind of trips me out.
Landon goes on the craziest looking waves I have ever seen and has some of the craziest wipeouts I have ever seen so I hope he keeps wearing a helmet!
As for me, I’m kind of a scaredy cat but I try not to think about wearing or not wearing a helmet and focus on making the waves I go for.
I do believe that if it’s your time to get hurt, it will happen no matter what.
Even if you are wearing full body amour, when it’s your time it’s your time.”
Updates on the way….
Our thoughts and prayers are for a full recovery for Makai…and all the family and friends.
SNN
