Video: Makai McNamara “Brought Back to Life” at Pipeline

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 11:21 AM ET

On Sunday, while Pipeline was firing on all cylinders, yet another pulse in the seemingly never-ending run of swell on the North Shore of Oahu this winter season, Makai McNamara wiped out on a wave, then didn’t resurface. He was knocked unconscious; surfers in the water rushed to his rescue.

When his lifeless body was lugged onto the beach, lifeguards sprang into action, reviving him right there on the sand. From there, he was transported to the hospital. And despite the harrowing situation explained below – and the lack of details thus far of what exactly happened, and the severity of his injuries – it sounds like Makai’s going to be okay. Here’s what happened, according to Makai’s brother and recent winner of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, Landon McNamara:

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A post shared by Landon Mcnamara (@landon_mcnamara)

“Thank you so much to everyone who helped get @makaimcnamara to the shore today & save his life. Me and my family are grateful for all the hands that helped. Was so scary not seeing him come up after falling on that wave. I’m here wishing I did more & got to him faster but I know he was in good hands & just tried to be there how I could for him in that moment.

“I can’t recall everyone who was there because my mind was set on my brother but Thank you so much to whoever grabbed him first, to @eli_olson for taking charge until we could get him with @northshorelifeguardassociation @keegan_hd @kylefoyle to take over. They brought him back to life on the beach. There was life back in his eyes. He spoke words. The feelings where overwhelming."

Watch the rescue efforts, and Makai literally being brought back to life, below:

Landon continued:

“He is in the ICU right now & last update is he will be kept asleep for the next 72 hours in order to heal the best. Right now we all need to send all of our healing energy & prayers his way. He is so strong and has so much life left in him. I love you so much big brother. I know he’d probably roust me for making this post cause he’s the real deal haha but I truly believe the collective positive energy and prayers make a difference so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Let’s send all the Love, Strength, Mana, Healing, positive energy & Life his way. I love you so much big brother.”

So far this season on the Seven-Mile-Miracle, there have been a number of serious injuries involving top surfers, including Tahitian tube-fiend Eimeo Czermak and North Shore native Lucas Godfrey.

As for Makai, send some extra prayers his way. Heal up soon, legend.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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