Laird Hamilton ain’t backing Maya Gabeira and Carlos Burle

Laird Hamilton invented tow surfing at Jaws and rode the millennium wave at Chopes and heaps of other stuff that make him an undeniably legit dude when it comes to big wave surfing. Nobody disputes this. It is interesting, howevs, that he’s kinda become a dial-a-quote for mainstream media when something notable happens in big wave surfing. Like, since Maya Gabeira nearly drowned at Nazaré three days ago, and Carlos Burle then went back out and rode what’s being called by many the biggest wave ever ridden, Laird’s just given an interview to CNN that ain’t buying what Maya and Carlos are selling.

Laird doesn’t believe Carlos’ wave counts because it wasn’t completed: “I’d say maybe he wiped out on the biggest wave ever ridden, but you can’t expect to ride the biggest wave ever ridden and not finish the ride.” And, Maya? Laird says she shouldn’t have even been out there. While the words Expert surfer Maya Gabeira rescued flash bottom of screen, Laird says: “She doesn’t have the skill to be in these conditions. She should not be in this kind of surf. I feel like it’s Carlos’ responsibility to take care of her and he’s just lucky that she didn’t drown.”

And… go.