Beyond the Board

In this YA memoir, pro surfer Maya Gabeira tells the awe-inspiring true story of her journey from unstoppable teenager to the Guinness World Record–holding legend she is today

Beyond the Board is the untold story of living legend Maya Gabeira who—at 25—broke her back and went on not only to recover but to hold the record for highest wave conquered by any big-wave surfer in the 2019–2020 winter season. Gabeira has been heralded as one of the top surfers of her generation, male or female—a legend in the making. But who is the ferocious personality beyond the board?

Maya’s memoir chronicles her journey from determined teen surfer to the indomitable champion, Guinness World Record–holder, and role model she is today.

Often called the “Super Woman of surfing,” Maya didn’t pick up a board until age 15; before that, she was a ballet dancer. Just two years later, she left her home in Rio de Janeiro in order to chase waves around the world, toting a single backpack and waiting tables to get by.

As a teen, Maya carved her own path, and her story is a remarkable one: that of a passionate and driven young woman who learned never to flinch—even in the face of death.