Katie McConnell Keeps Momentum Going With 20-Foot Nazaré Roll-In

How many people would call a paddle session at Nazaré the time of their lives? Hard to think many would. But that’s how Katie McConnell described this January day in Portugal . “One of the most fun days of surf I can remember,” she said.

Gliding in on a 10’7” Gary Linden gun, the marine biologist, substitute teacher and award-winning big-wave surfer caught numerous Nazaré bombs to start 2024. Her attempt on the right, which is embedded above, got our attention for a SURFER Big Wave Challenge .

It’s about as smooth a 20-something-foot wave as you’ll see at Nazaré. Kai Lenny called it “Incredible.” Minimum turbulence on the face with a smooth, drawn-out bottom turn. McConnell even catches some air on a bump on the inside before kicking out on the shoulder. Here’s another ride from McConnell’s day below.

McConnell, who honed her surfing chops in Santa Cruz while getting her degree, is quickly proving her versatility on the world stage. She didn't fully take to big-wave surfing until after the 2020 pandemic. Now she can claim cash-winning rides at Todos Santos and Jaws. Makes sense that Nazaré is on her list.

McConnell, 34 is one to recognize a bigger picture and hopes her platform can both highlight environmental/ocean conservation efforts and inspire future female chargers.

“It was like the universe started flinging open doors for me and the ocean started sending me really good waves," she said in an interview with SURFER. "I have gone farther than I ever imagined. I share the story with my students to get them to look inside, dream, and take steps towards an ideal future for themselves and their communities.”

Related: Meet the Teacher, Marine Scientist and SCUBA Diver Who Charges Big Waves