Pro Surfer Makai McNamara Recovering After Severe Wipeout at Banzai Pipeline

The 29-year-old was placed in a medically induced coma following a headfirst collision with a reef during a surfing accident in Hawaii.

Makai McNamara, a professional surfer, was knocked unconscious by a large wave at the dangerous Banzai Pipeline surf break in Hawaii on February 23, 2025.
The accident occurred when McNamara was sent headfirst into a reef, leaving him underwater for nearly two minutes before being rescued by lifeguards and fellow surfers, including his friend Eli Olson.
Rescuers performed CPR on McNamara at the shoreline, where he regained consciousness before being transported to Queen's Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma for three days.
McNamara's father, Liam, shared updates on social media, expressing gratitude to those who assisted in the rescue and confirming that Makai is on the road to recovery.
The family has requested privacy and asked for video footage of the rescue not to be shared online, citing the stress it has caused.