McNamara, Liam (1969 – )

Versatile, hard-charging goofyfooter from the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii; younger brother of big-wave showman Garret McNamara. Liam was born (1969) in Berkeley, California, and began surfing at age nine after moving with his family to Hawaii. By 1991 he was gaining notice for his first-generation aerial moves at Rocky Point, and for his deep, fearless, if ungainly, attack at Pipeline.

He also took more than his share of waves, was a brutal tactician during surf contests, complained often th...