Maya Gabeira: Not talking to Laird Hamilton, Kelly Slater after criticism 

I had a guitar player I respected tell me there were cracks in my foundation. Well years later I’ve fixed those cracks and you know what ? I’ll bet I am better thanks to other inputs from very experienced musicians and also my own analysis and hard work. We all can get better that’s the way of life!

At the end the day, she bounced back and broke the womens big wave world record. Confronted the place that almost killed her and overcame the whole drama. Chapeau!

Kelly Slater has specifically said he doesn’t surf big waves because it’s scary and dangerous. Laird Hamilton is arguably the biggest pioneer of big wave surfing and foiling. He’s dedicated his life to it. He would know if someone should be out there or not. She’s luckily moved past this and now surfs big waves. Luckily she survived. But knowing your limits can entirely prevent these situations from taking place.

Funny to see a bunch of men in the comment section siding with Laird and Kelly. Meanwhile, so many men who are much less prepared than Maya are surfing Jaws and other big wave spots. But simply because they are men, they never get exposed or thrown under the bus by these God-wanna-be surf legends. None of them said shit to Laurie Towner when he almost died in Teahupoo. When it happens to a man, they treat it as an unfortunate work accident. But when it's a woman, she's treated as if she doesn't belong there. Keep doing what you're doing, Maya. Don't let their male fragility (disguised as thoughtful advice) stop you.

I think she should be able to do whatever the hell she wants. She is brave and skilled and we will all die someday. If she chooses to put her life on the line doing something she loves she has the right to do so. If she endangers the rescuers that’s simply part of the job. I doubt that Laird has a clean slate when it comes to endangering others. I doubt anyone has for that matter..

Maya Reis Gabeira is a Brazilian big wave surfer. She is most known for having surfed a 73.5 ft/22,4 m high wave in Nazaré, Portugal in February 2020, recorded by Guinness World Records as the biggest wave ever surfed by a female. It was also the biggest wave surfed by anyone that year.

She wasn't prepared obviously. Laird has dedicated his life to big wave surfing and training. Kelly has also dedicated his life to surfing. Probably take the advice of those who paved the way.

There’s an old saying here in America. This is my waterman/surfing version. “ Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, However sticks and stones didn’t break my bones but a big wave almost fucking killed me “ Everyone knows Maya you’re one hell of a surfer, you’ve got balls and good style. But sometimes pushing it to another level when you’re not ready will put you in situations like the one you ended up in. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors 🌊🤙

I don’t think either were trying to be unkind she just isn’t a highly skilled surfer by any standard - laird pretty much invented tow in surfing and kelly is the greatest surfer of all time I think their opinions are fully valid and it’s good they spoke out

Who are we to judge her. It is her life. Her dream. Let her do what she wants to do. She has achieved a lot more than the average surfer.

Maya, you go girl. You have the desire to ride big waves, so don’t worry what boy’s say. Those jet ski’s are there to help surfers when they wipe out. If your still not gun shy, keep going!

Laird is no nonsense and calls it like he sees it. He doesn't have time for your feelings. Kelly is not a big wave surfer and has said many times its not worth his life.

She certainly doesn’t suck! And she’s got more balls than plenty others. But, in the ocean you always need to know your limits. Always...

You have to respect her for doing what she loves. I would say no big wave surfer is really prepared when surfing 50+ foot waves.

Man, this is a great segment from a thoughtful woman. I'm not sure a man could address this in such an even sane way. I don't think there is any way to take the male ego aspect of this situation out of the discussion. The hierarchy is undeniable and she inserted herself, ready or not, right into the mix. The truth is, some of the best, most prepared men have died doing extreme versions of their sport. And for sure, the timing was awful and very inconsiderate, leveling criticism when they did.

Thank God her new towing partner has both caring & thought & understanding!!! If a man was in her position, Laird would be offering his rehab place to him!

What a graceful, generous, compassionate person 💕

This is the first time I’ve seen an interview by Graham - excellent exceptional talent

Watching Gaberia drown at Nazare was hard to watch. Watching it back in 2013 it was everybody's opinion that she shouldn't be out there, Kelly and Laird had the same opinion as everybody.

Kelly & Laird would know what they are talking about...

Maya is a big wave idol for those of us who are discouraged by others just for chasing a dream

Not sure they would have said the same about Justine Dupont.

She's taking on criticism quite well, imo

If Laird says it’s too big, it’s too big.

Surfing there is no second chance. But it is her choice and we must respect that.

Thanks, Graham. You always let them finish the thought.

A lot of people talk about Maya not being ready, but she broke the record at 73.5 feet. Can anyone say they are fully prepared to ride a 73.50 foot wave?

Those in the surfing community know that starting around 2006 there came this huge effort by the surf industry to promote women big wave surfers. It was almost entirely a commercially motivated effort. Every single male big wave rider knew that at that time there were NO female surfers that had the experience, ability and talent to safely ride big waves. Everyone knew that Gabeira was being pushed into this when she wasnt qualified. She simply wasnt a strong swimmer and strong surfer. Tow in surfing allows almost any surfer of any ability to attempt big waves and thats a problem. Laird and Kelly were right.

The men will always try to convince you you are not good enough. Don’t accept their unsubstantiated medical diagnosis. You are an amazing strong and blessed woman athlete. Your genetics date back to the beginning of human race. Never let the naysayers put you down. Come back stronger, with a better team and forget what the second guessers say about you.

Is there a video of her wipeout in Tahiti?

Humble... I don't see that in her

they never said u sucked ... they said you weren't ready for that situation.

Ok. So go tell Mark Fu was not ready for that wave in Mavericks. Hamilton and Slater would never have the balls to say that.

Even though I respect Laird and Slater very much as surfers, you have to wonder whether they were suggesting she should have stopped because she was a woman and were concerned for her well being? Lots of male surfers wipe out and have to be rescued. They also put other people and themselves in danger. Was Carlos Burle's judgement off? Besides all this Maya must of known what she was getting into and probably took full responsibility, which means she was prepared to die. She doubted herself for a moment, and decided to keep at it and not listen to the criticism, now she has achieved greatness!

Is it so difficult to understand that Laird is a 100% right?!?!

So I mean...it's good that Laird influenced people who aren't skilled enough to think twice before big wave surfing... right? That seems like a net positive. This is very much a life and death issue

I'm pretty sure Hamilton and Slater weren't saying anything in a mean or bad way! If I was her I'd take it as either a compliment or as motivation! Everyone told me I was gonna die at Fiji surfing, I got beat down bad but didn't drown. But when ppl tell me I can't or shouldn't do something, I see that as "hold my beer"

As of 2021 she is still alive...so Kelly's prophecy did not come to pass.

I mean, Laird has been saying stuff like this for years. I recall that shortly after he started experimenting with and getting attention for riding big, big waves (i.e. Peahi) via tow-in, he expressed his concern about a lot of unskilled half-wits (my words) trying the take on these spots without training or taking the challenge seriously. These are places were you can easily--EASILY--get badly hurt or killed. I'm sure he saw Maya out there charging but not really having the skill to do so, and was just trying to be real about the risks. Same with Kelly. They don't want people to die or amateurs encouraging other amateurs to try stupid stuff. Big wave surfing has always been a hyper-masculine, macho culture and sure, there's some of "the chicks are too weak..they can't do it" attitude. But there's also a "kooks can't do it either" mindset as well. And it's true. Kooks, women, ANYONE who isn't fully prepared via strength, conditioning, experience and skill shouldn't be trying this type of thing like it's a Jake Paul shits and giggles video challenge. Only go in the water in these places if you're super committed.

Sometimes you really need to take advice in life if you are pushing your luck too far.Regardless of your experience or skill level some days you are just not meant to be out there.

As someone who has bitten more than he can chew tryingto surf bigger waves than I should have, yea I understand their critique. It’s something to be careful with because its your life on the line. I can’t imagine these type of waves.

One point that rings true for me is that if she is unprepared or lacks skill, u know there are a lot of guys out there who also are unprepared and lack the skill and Laird didn’t call them out. What about Owen Wright hitting the reef at pipeline? Or billy kempers wipe out in Mexico? Not that these guys aren’t skillful but it doesn’t follow that from having a serious accident means you are not good enough.

Didn’t Maya, the girl that was in the wrong league, that didn’t belong in Big Wave Surfing, just ride the largest wave possibly ever ridden at Nazare? Asking for Laird and Kelly.

Beautiful sportswoman

So I guess telling the truth is a bad thing now

Hey Graham. I am a huge fan! Your video titels have started to kind of amplify the actuall comments. For example with this one you might think there's bad blood between those when it seems they just don't have anything to do with each other. Maybe i am overthinking this. Just keep being carefull. You're the goat of sports interviews:)

Man or Woman... If Kelly Slater gives you surfing advice... it’s probably not the worst idea to listen. 🤷‍♂️

Cheers, Maya! I am inspired by you.

At the end of the day props to her for doing her thing, how many times were guys unprepared for big waves … ALL of them … lots of times it’s just a small wave and a bump in the head and game over. Mother nature is no joke sometimes… I believe I’m free speech so there’s that. Sometime your critics become your best motivators

Whoever is riding those big swells at Teahups and Nazare are at a significant risk of death. Being prepared super prepared is only a small part in the risk equation. You have as much right to risk it as everyone else.

Maya should humble herself and listen to what they are saying. Their words are correct.

Tow surfing has allowed people with more bravery than skill to put themselves into positions they otherwise would not be in: There is zero argument there, it’s the truth. These surfers are simply looking out for one such person, who they feel may get herself or others killed or seriously injured. Now, for her to take their criticism personally and cut two living legends out of her life over it indicates that Maya is the one who’s letting her ego define her actions, not Kelly and Laird IMO

I'm torn on this topic. I think criticism from surfing legends such as Kelly and Laird should be taken into consideration, but not detractors from her/ your dream or goal. I'm sure most professionals have been fairly or unfairly criticized along their journey. And I'm sure the NFL and the UFC has humbled those that were in over their head, but as long as she doesn't hurt anyone but herself, I say try. That being said, waves should not be counted as world records unless the ride is completed. Because wiping out on large waves are not justifiably world records. And I think some of her waves are debatable/ trivial. Otherwise Steve-O could just take off on a wave and call it day with a new record even if he get crushed. There needs to be some guidelines.

It's not the problem of what Laird said, it's how and when. It was the most stupid and worst manner anyone can communicate. I think one of the surfer said it right about the ego and the other things. And Kelly Slater has never been known to be a good one for advices. And he is not a giant wave specialist. He is right to be afraid of the death in these conditions. He's lost friends in big wave surfing. But the point is that this kind of extreme sport can easily kill you and any mistake can be fatal. Nobody blamed Todd Chesser for dying at the time. And nobody blamed recent male's fatal ride... So why would a woman be so in the centre of the controversy ?

Sometimes truth hurts feelings. Sometimes ambition outweigh talent.

Everyone deserve respect first of all. Nobody is better than another. she can do whatever she wants with her life.....the ocean still a free place !! Selfish thoughts !!

Let her surf! Live and let Live

Don't let anybody stop you from your dreams and goals !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here’s an idea, maybe contact Laird Hamilton and ask him too train you and teach you the skills needed to conquer the big waves.

I've surfed. There are times when I haven't gone out because it was too big or gnarly for my ability.

Grandes lendas do esporte, oq eu não significa que estão sempre certos. Resumindo: #ChupaKelly #ChupaLaird

From the way she talks, it sounds like she shouldn't have been in those conditions.

No one should decide what Maya needs to do, except Maya. Men's patronizing is a habit to be broken. Maya is a damn smart woman and it's her choice (and her team's) to take her chances, including death.

Kelly is the goat, Laid is a legend. Outa here with the sexist BS already. They saw someone they thought wasn't ready to be out there, guy or girl, who cares. They cared. They cared enough to mention it.

Laird is absolutely right. She’s lucky she’s alive.

I think Kelly offered very fair criticisms to be honest. It is bigger than you, and you are endangering the individuals around you when they have to charge in and rescue you in such violent surf. I'm sure they would have / and probably have said the same thing to their male counterparts who are surfing waves that are above their skill level. Don't really agree with the narrative that their criticism was ego-driven.Just my take on it.

Very much impressed with her calm positive attitude to easy critics who forget the dedication, commitment and strength of this strong willed lady !

It's an interesting interview because we get to see her perception of reality. It's hard to hear truths from those better than you. Hopefully, she uses it to get better and not endanger anyone.

You would be hard pressed to find two individuals with more first hand expertise on surfing, especially big waves than LAIRD HAMILTON and KELLY fricking SLATER. The fact that she just got her feelings hurt and brushed aside their advice is sad. She should feel extremely fortunate that they took the time to give her difficult but important advice.

Roach from Point break said it best”You can’t just call time-out if you don’t like the way things are going and just scroll up to the beach”Thank you 😁

Knowing when not to send it is as important as going

She overcame it and is a great surfer, always work in your craft and push forward

To be honest I’ve never seen laird Hamilton or Kelly Slater surf Nazare

The separation is in the preparation...

This is why Jeremy Flores, even though he's got a case of ferret face, has as much respect from Hawaiians as Kelly, and more than Laird and Maya... because those who know can tell he's someone who, without bragging about it, would've genuinely surfed sketchy Indian Ocean reefs by himself growing up, no jet skis and no glory, and fully responsible for himself. Not that he's their hero... but IS someone they can respect. And, is someone who can respect the fact that Johanne Defay rips hard enough that it would not have done for her to fall off tour just for lack of support. Especially since it is probably still illegal to surf in her homeland, this century. Jeremy's solution? Support her on tour. Kelly's "solution"? Propose that they start culling bull sharks on Reunion... as if one maneater left would not be one too many... instead of simply and sensibly jailing the hell out of anyone who dumps garbage on the reefs there... given that there were not ANY fatal bull shark attacks on surfers there last century. (In other words, Kelly is not the final word in ocean sense... nobody is.)

Kelly and lairds criticism may have saved her life.

He never said she sucked

4:09 "Convicted" : I think she meant "convinced".

Kelly has lost multiple friends to drownings in big wave situations. This wasn't ego, this was genuine wisdom, care and knowledge. If she had anything about her she would have taken that on humbly instead of mocking his lack of courage.

Well answered. A pro.

It's true. I'm from Brazil and we never heard of her until a couple of months before the disatrous attempt... she's better known here as a politician's daughter than a skilled surfer.

She matched them in being fearless, she surfs where they surf ; when your good they will always say insecure things about you. Maya is from another star system "

We surfers are like this with our sport. If I’m in a spot and not handling it, someone will tell me.

What a shame, she just doesn’t get it. When 2 of the best ever tell you that you are putting others in danger, time to check yourself. Too much ego.

I give her credit for going for it but you really need to know your limits. I’ve been surfing since I was 4 years old and have surfed all over the world in some big waves. Well let me clarify big to me 15 to 20 ft Hawaiian. I know that’s not that big in today’s standards but it was big to me. Now I’m 63 still surfing but no way am I paddling out on a 15 to 20 ft day now because I know my limits. Give me 3 to 5ft at a beach break and maybe 6 to 8ft at a point break. Knowing your limits could save your life.

Kelly tried scare her with e him own fears. And he is powerful, but we have to learn how powerful we are too.

I think if we have multiple incidents that might be seen as unqualified people getting out on the water and endangering themselves we might very well have local lawyers rushing to enact legislation to “protect” all of us and we all know how that usually turns out. If Slater stays out of the water you should too!

If Kelly and Laird were REALLY concerned about Maya, they should contact her directly. NEVER in social media. It looks like they were like giving a professor speech, where the listeners would be in Awe. Thus, advantages to them, not to Maya. They certainly have very big Egos.

Never saw Keply Hater surf Nazare, come to think of it.In my job,a mistake will have you 6 feet under and immediately,she has all the skills and remember that you learn from any and every Thing.dont stop, you are good.

That "Little girl" surfed the biggest wave of the year 2020 in Nazaree

It's called situational awareness & all of the questions involved with a particular engagement of activitie should have been considered & calculated 🤔 Specifically people trying to achieve sponsorship of stupidity are liabilities 🤫

My mantra, if you don't have nothing positive to say, be quiet, maya is doing what she loves, it doesn't matter the opinion of nodody else. Go Maya!!!

Kelly sent a DIRECT MESSAGE in twitter and she was hurt in her feelings??? God!

Maya is straight talking shit, don’t almost die in front of legends

Laird was bang on about his comments - she’s not skilled enough. Simple. She’s more upset because he said it publicly and she just needs to get over it. No one wants to see her kill herself out there and overall that’s the bigger picture here.

The danger of a Laird's public comment like that is to push Maya even far beyond...!

Uh, no, I don't think Kelly is jealous of her getting a lot of attention. She is a blip on the surfing radar compared to what Kelly, or even Laird has done.

Lol. This chick is funny - she is literally hating on the people trying to save her life. They aren't hating..

They tried to tell her. But some people need to learn the hard way, sometimes those people die. It sucks but what can you do? Props to the guys. Big wave surfing and boxing are two activities when you do them you dont play and death is a possibility. There is no room for being polite.

I'm not familiar with her career but the type of surfing she engaged in is an elite portion of the surfing community. When two of the best extremely experienced and talented surfers criticize you, I think you should be humble... listen... and say thank you. She didn't like the timing or extent of their criticism but in two points made... one, if she has an accident in a horrendously dangerous environment she has now endangered the people tasked with saving her... and two, when people 5x your ability and experience decide to NOT surf do to the danger your just being wreckless not brave or daring. Sad thing is her take away was more her hurt feelings from the criticism more than the mistake in judgement she made that almost cost her life... sad. 😔