100-Foot Waves—Check. HBO Show—Check. What’s Next for Garrett McNamara?

There's few surfers whose exploits have truly reached the mainstream in profound, unprecedented ways, and one is Garret McNamara and the smash hit HBO show, 100 Foot Wave . Before Nazaré became a global spectacle, there was just Garrett, a handful of locals, and mountains of Atlantic energy detonating into an empty Praia do Norte. What the world now knows as the home of the “100-foot wave” was, in the early 2010s, a remote fishing village with untapped potential and a wave that freaked out even the most seasoned watermen.

McNamara didn’t just surf Nazaré—he committed to it. He built relationships with the town, the fishermen, the harbor crew, the families who lived in the shadow of Praia do Norte. He listened to the people who understood the ocean there long before surf media ever cared. In return, Nazaré gave him the wave that changed his life and, as we now know, helped change the trajectory of big-wave surfing.

A decade later, after world records, injuries, triumphs, and HBO’s 100 Foot Wave bringing the world deeper into his universe, McNamara and his wife Nicole have become unofficial ambassadors of Nazaré’s culture. Their latest project—a collaborative capsule collection with Faherty—draws directly from that relationship, celebrating Portuguese craftsmanship and the community that embraced their family.

We sat down with Garrett, Nicole, and the Faherty team to talk about the collaboration, the evolving surf industry, and what the future looks like for big-wave athletes carving unconventional paths.

Garret & Nicole McNamara Interview

Tell us about the collaboration with Faherty and how you and Nicole came to create the Nazaré capsule.

We met the Fahertys through our dear friend Kyle McClure, who introduced us to his childhood friends running this incredible brand. We connected instantly. As we shared our Nazaré experience with them, everything aligned—they were already familiar with Portugal and its amazing textile traditions. The collaboration evolved naturally as a way to honor the craftsmanship of the Portuguese people and Nazaré itself, home to the world’s biggest wave and a beautiful, generous community.

As someone who has navigated decades in the surf industry, what would you tell someone unaware of how complicated the path of a professional surfer really is?

Many people assume a pro athlete has a glamorous, financially secure life. What they don’t see is the unimaginable amount of hard work, passion, and dedication required—often without any guarantee of stability. Surfing is especially tricky. You can’t just go to a field or court and train every day. The ocean decides. Many aspiring pros work traditional jobs just to fund the addiction. The ones who “make it” often find a way to share their passion—through music, philanthropy, or helping others. True success comes from using your gift to uplift the people around you.

With the success of 100 Foot Wave, does it feel like big-wave surfing is becoming more supported?

This is the best time to be a big-wave surfer—it's more mainstream than ever. But it’s still a volatile world, and companies are cautious with spending. Exposure helps, but you still need something that sets you apart and elevates your partners while pushing the sport and its incredibly dedicated athletes forward.

Have you noticed more non-endemic brands getting involved with big-wave surfers?

Not a lot, but a few surfers are breaking through. Mason Barnes is working with high-end fashion brands—and even appeared in Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” video. Francisco Porcello, from Italy, is doing similar work with modeling. It’s great to see surfers finding ways to support their passion while expanding into other fields. There’s a tech side too, where creative partnerships can be built. Ideally, everyone involved cares about the planet—because without healthy oceans, there is no big-wave surfing.

How has your relationship with Portugal—and Nazaré—evolved over the last 10 years?

Nazaré is home. It’s family. It’s love. We were married there, had our children there—it’s part of our identity now. As the town has gained more exposure, we’ve worked to protect its culture and energy. We wouldn’t be where we are without the incredible people and the magic of that wave. The bonds we’ve built there grow stronger every year, through every high and low. It’s forever part of us.

For Faherty

Portugal is known for its incredible textiles. Were you able to source materials within the country?

Portugal’s textile craftsmanship is exceptional—especially its flannel. The mill we partner with is a family-owned operation that’s perfected fabric with rich color, softness, and durability. Their traditional napping process—brushing the fibers to create that plush feel—gives Portuguese flannel its signature depth and comfort. Working with them allowed us to create garments with real soul, warmth, and texture.