Age 29 Makai McNamara is a professional surfer who is currently in an induced coma following a surfing accident, find out more about him below
Makai reportedly suffered a severe wipeout during a surfing competition at the Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii.
Who is Makai McNamara, surfer in induced coma after surfing accident, bio, age, height, dad and Instagram
According to reports, McNamara has been in an induced coma, with doctors constantly monitoring his condition.
Makai McNamara suffers tragic surfing accident
Renowned professional surfer Makai McNamara recently suffered a tragic surfing accident on February 23, 2025. McNamara was seemingly thrown off his surfboard after encountering a massive wave and slamming headfirst into the reef. He was competing at the Banzai Pipeline, which is regarded as one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world. The spot features massive waves and a shallow reef.
Following the incident, fellow pro surfer Eli Olson, who was the closest to McNamara during the accident, detailed the incident. Olson explained how McNamara remained underwater for nearly two minutes before he could reach him after hitting the reef. Eventually, lifeguards and other surfers rushed to assist him, performing CPR until McNamara started coughing up water. Olson shared:
It was just a bad wave, kind of a freak accident, and he went head first into the reef.”
He further added:
First thing, I just wanted to keep his head above water so he didn’t take more water in. I gave him a couple breaths, tried to give him a couple compressions.”
Liam McNamara health update from family
Following the tragic ordeal, McNamara’s father, Liam McNamara, shared an update on Instagram about his son’s condition. Liam posted a heartfelt video, where he assured fans that Makai is receiving excellent care at Queen’s Hospital. He stated:
It’s very hard to do this, but I feel it’s important to let you guys know he’s doing well. It’s been 24 hours since the incident, and he’s on his road to recovery.”
🚨Pro-surfer Makai McNamara is in a coma after a brutal wipeout at Banzai Pipeline. Lifeguards and his best friend, Eli Olson, pulled him from the water after he was unconscious for nearly two minutes. His family is asking for prayers. Thoughts?
"It's heavy, especially when… pic.twitter.com/axIRxfDfFz
— User Unknown (@UserUnknownPOV) February 26, 2025
Meanwhile, Makai’s brother and fellow professional surfer, Landon McNamara, also posted an update on Instagram. He stated that Makai is currently in the ICU and will remain asleep for at least 72 hours. Landon urged supporters to send positive energy and to pray for his recovery. Additionally, Liam McNamara also requested netizens to stop sharing a distressing video of Makai’s rescue. The viral footage has reportedly been upsetting for the family, as they request privacy during this difficult time.
Makai McNamara bio
Makai McNamara is a professional surfer from the North Shore, Oahu, who was born on March 7, 1995. He comes from a family of surfers, with his father, Liam McNamara, having won the prestigious Pipe Masters competition back in 1990. Makai is currently ranked 74th in the World Surf League’s 2024/2025 Qualifying Series.
Age and height
Makai McNamara is currently 29 years old and stands approximately at around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
Makai McNamara career highlights
McNamara has had a very successful surfing career, having competed in various professional surfing events. He gained notable recognition for his fearless approach to riding big waves and has been a standout performer at the Banzai Pipeline. He currently competes in the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series, where he ranked 74th during the 2024/2025 season.
Makai McNamara has an Instagram account with the handle @makaimcnamara, where he has over 28.4K followers and 717 posts.