Beyond the Board : The Untold Story of the World's Most Daring Big Wave Surfer

From surfing legend Maya Gabeira comes this awe-inspiring memoir for teens about chartering your own course and making wavesBeyond 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.

Maya 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 will chronicle her journey from a determined yet anxiety-plagued adolescent to the indomitable champion, Guinness World Record–holder, and role model she is today.

Often called “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: a passion-driven young woman who learned never to flinch—even in the face of death.