SkinDog Skins Two Extra Large Checks at the Billabong XXL Awards 2007

Garrett McNamara on the winning wave - I'd say this is worthy of an award!

Monster Paddle & Surfline Men’s Overall Performance Award

Name: Garrett McNamara
Date: December 14, 2006
Location: Maverick’s, California

At first glance one may think a Hawaiian winning an award for cold-water bravado is some kind of misprint, after all, wetsuits and aloha go together about as well as oil and water, but then Garrett McNamara isn’t you’re typical Hawaiian. Born and raised in Berkeley, just over the hill from Half Moon Bay, until 1978 when, along with his mom and brother Liam, he moved to Oahu and picked up surfing. Struggling through his early days a Haliewa, the brothers McNamara were quick learners and in a few short years had established themselves as two of Hawaii’s craziest big-wave warriors. When the tow-in circus came to town Garrett was quick to buy a ticket, which ultimately paid off huge. In 2002 he won the inaugural World Cup of Tow Surfing at Jaws, and then backed up the result with a first-place finish in the Jaws Tow-in World Cup Expression Session. He also claimed the 2003 Billabong XXL Best Overall Performance Award, as well as the 2004 SURFER Poll Best Tube of the Year Award, and is a regular invitee to both the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and the Maverick’s Surf Contest. When asked about riding the mythic 100-footer his answer’s simple: “I’m more interested in at least a 120-footer.”