Maya Gabeira is a Brazilian big wave surfer who has made a significant impact in the world of surfing, particularly in the realm of big-wave riding. She began her surfing journey at the age of 13 in Rio de Janeiro and quickly transitioned to competitive surfing by age 15. By 2004, she had committed to a professional career, moving to Australia and then to Hawaii to hone her skills on world-class waves. Gabeira’s talent became evident as she emerged as a leading female big-wave surfer, winning global championships at renowned surf spots such as Mavericks and Waimea.

Gabeira’s achievements include winning the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards for Best Female Performance four times from 2007 to 2010. In 2008, she made history as the first woman to surf big waves in Alaska and continued to break barriers by surfing at California’s Ghost Trees and Tahiti’s Teahupoo. Her record-breaking journey reached new heights in January 2018 when she rode a 20.8 m (68 ft) wave at Nazaré, Portugal, which was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest wave ever surfed by a woman.

In February 2020, Gabeira set a new Guinness World Record by riding a 22.4 m (73.5 ft) wave at Nazaré, marking the largest wave surfed by anyone that year. This achievement not only solidified her status as a top athlete but also highlighted her resilience, especially after surviving a near-fatal accident in 2013 while surfing at the same location. Her story of courage and determination has been captured in the documentary “Maya and the Wave,” released in 2022.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Gabeira is also recognized for her advocacy work, being named a UNESCO Champion for Ocean and Youth in 2022. Her commitment to ocean conservation and her role as a trailblazer in a male-dominated sport continue to inspire many, making her one of the most influential figures in surfing today.