The 13-Day Marriage: Inside Nicole McNamara's Dramatic Start With Big-Wave Surfer Garrett McNamara

The story of Nicole McNamara’s 13-day marriage is one of the most unexpected and dramatic backstories revealed in the world of big-wave surfing, captivating audiences of the HBO documentary *100 Foot Wave*. As of December 2025, Nicole and her husband, legendary surfer Garrett McNamara, are known as a powerhouse couple, but their path to a lasting partnership began with a controversial, almost unbelievable split from their previous commitments. This short-lived first marriage is the pivotal moment that set the stage for one of surfing's most enduring love stories.

The intense public curiosity surrounding the 13-day union stems from its raw, emotional portrayal in the media, highlighting the ethical dilemma of finding a soulmate just days into a new marriage. It’s a narrative of immediate, undeniable connection that forced two people to make life-altering decisions, deserting their newly-formed marital bonds for a love they believed was destined.

Nicole McNamara: Biography and Profile

Nicole McNamara (née Macias) is far more than just the wife of a world-record-holding big-wave surfer. She is an accomplished professional in her own right, dedicating her life to education, environmental advocacy, and wellness. Her profile is defined by a deep commitment to the ocean, which aligns perfectly with her husband's career.

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• Full Name: Nicole Macias McNamara
• Maiden Name: Nicole Macias
• Current Husband: Garrett McNamara (Married 2012)
• Children: One son with Garrett McNamara, named Barrel. She is also stepmother to Garrett's three children from his previous marriage to Konnie Pascual.
• Profession: Environmental Scientist/Teacher, Wellness Consultant, Environmental Activist, Manager for Garrett McNamara.
• Education: Holds a Masters of Education in Environmental Science.
• Non-Profit Work: Founder of the non-profits Vital Living and the McNamara Foundation, focusing on ocean awareness and environmental health.
• Notoriety: Featured prominently in the HBO documentary series *100 Foot Wave*.
• Key Relationship Detail: The subject of a highly publicized, extremely short first marriage (reported as 13 days) that ended when she met Garrett McNamara.

The Shocking 13-Day Marriage: A Relationship Timeline

The story of Nicole's short-lived first marriage is a powerful demonstration of fate, or perhaps a sudden realization of a mistake. The timeline of her and Garrett McNamara’s relationship is intertwined with this dramatic event, creating a narrative that is both controversial and deeply romantic.

The Brief Union and the Fateful Meeting (2010)

The core of the story is that Nicole Macias was married for a mere 13 days when she met Garrett McNamara. The meeting took place in Puerto Rico in 2010. Nicole was there for a standup paddle-boarding competition, while Garrett was also in the area. The connection between them was immediate and intense, described by some as an undeniable, magnetic pull.

At the time of their meeting, both Nicole and Garrett were married to other people. Garrett was already a world-renowned big-wave surfer, and his personal life was complicated. The sudden, powerful bond between them led to an almost immediate decision to leave their respective partners and pursue their newfound love.

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For Nicole, the decision meant ending a marriage that had barely begun. The emotional and ethical implications of leaving a husband after just two weeks are immense, but both she and Garrett felt compelled to follow the connection they had discovered. This dramatic and quick exit from her first marriage became a defining, albeit private, detail of her life, later brought to the public eye by the success of the HBO series.

From Puerto Rico to Nazaré: A New Partnership

After making the difficult decision to separate from their spouses, Nicole and Garrett became inseparable. Their relationship quickly evolved into a powerful professional and personal partnership. Nicole, with her background in environmental science and wellness, took on the role of Garrett's manager and business partner, helping to shape his career and public image.

The couple’s journey led them to Nazaré, Portugal, a small fishing town that Garrett would famously transform into the world's premier big-wave surfing destination. Nicole was instrumental in this transition, providing the logistical, emotional, and spiritual support necessary for Garrett to chase the world record 100-foot wave.

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The Success and Controversy of the McNamara Marriage

The fact that Nicole and Garrett’s relationship began with such a controversial start—two people leaving their marriages, one of which was only 13 days old—has led to a complex public perception. However, their subsequent success and longevity as a couple serve as a powerful counter-narrative.

The Ethical Dilemma and Public Scrutiny

The story of the 13-day marriage naturally raises questions about commitment, fate, and the true meaning of a soulmate. While some view the rapid termination of the first marriage as a callous act, others see it as a brave decision to correct a mistake and follow an undeniable, authentic connection. The HBO documentary *100 Foot Wave* does not shy away from the complexities of their personal lives, presenting the raw, human side of their journey.

The controversy is largely overshadowed by their current life, which is a testament to their deep bond. They are often featured together, discussing their relationship in interviews and podcasts, emphasizing their shared values, particularly their passion for the ocean and environmental health.

A Foundation Built on Shared Values

Today, Nicole and Garrett McNamara are a cohesive unit, their life centered on a mission beyond surfing. Nicole’s work as an environmental activist is a cornerstone of their shared identity. She uses her Master’s degree in Environmental Science to promote ocean conservation, wellness, and sustainable living through their non-profits, the McNamara Foundation and Vital Living.

This shared commitment has provided the stability and depth that their relationship needed to thrive. Their partnership is a blend of extreme sport, spiritual alignment, and environmental advocacy, proving that a dramatic beginning does not preclude a successful, long-lasting marriage. They welcomed their son, Barrel, further cementing their family unit and their life together in Nazaré, Portugal, and Hawaii.

The 13-day marriage remains a fascinating footnote in the epic saga of the McNamaras. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most profound and lasting connections emerge from the most unexpected and tumultuous circumstances, shattering conventional timelines and expectations. Their story is ultimately one of risk, passion, and the pursuit of an authentic life.