Maya Gabeira is a big wave surfer from Brazil. In February 2020, she surfed the tallest wave a woman has ever surfed. After that day, the fight REALLY began, as Maya took on both the WSL (surf’s governing body) and Guinness Book of World Records to have her accomplishment recognized in an otherwise male-dominated sport. Neither organization had a category to celebrate this phenomenal achievement, so Maya began a campaign to fight the system. While there is plenty of “edge of your seat” surf action, the story is actually about equality, strength, perseverance and bravery.

Maya Gabeira always dreamed of surfing giant waves. In an earlier attempts to surf the infamous big wave in Nazaré, Portugal, she nearly drowned. The male big wave surfers who dominate the sport ridiculed and ostracized her. Three spine surgeries and five years later, she surfs the biggest wave a woman has ever surfed. When her accomplishment is disregarded, Maya enlists the help of her fans to fight for recognition, and becomes the first female surfer honored with a Guinness World Record.