Maya Gabeira: no fear

Maya Gabeira suffered a dangerous wipeout at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, during the big swell that hit Europe.

The Brazilian charger fell during a big wave ride and spent a long period underwater.

Gabeira lost consciousness for five minutes and was immediately administered Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by Carlos Burle before being rushed to the Leiria hospital.

Nazare has been hit by one of the largest swells of the last years, with waves breaking in the North Canyon at 60-80 feet.

Maya Gabeira had arrived early in the Portuguese town and had already surfed a big bomb in the first days, earning her an entry in the Billabong XXL 2013/2014 season.

Having caught one of the biggest waves of her career, at 7h15m, Gabeira wiped out and was rescued in a state of exhaustion by her peers in the stormy waters of Praia do Norte.

Stable and Recovering

The early footage shows the 26-year-old being dragged out of the water.

"What happened to Maya was awful. She's been a friend for many years," explains Carlos Burle.

"We work all year to get ready for these moments, and we know that the risk of losing our lives is imminent, but I'm happy she's alive. It was awful to watch her not breathing

The authorities have confirmed she is stable and will fully recover from the accident.

Gabeira will leave the Leiria hospital on the 29th of October 2013. Watch the ride that almost killed the Brazilian charger.

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