Picture this: You're trapped beneath a towering wave at Nazaré, one of the world's most ferocious surfing spots, enduring a hold-down that pushes your limits to the brink of life and death. And get this – the very camera meant to capture your epic ride might have been the silent saboteur that nearly cost you everything. Intrigued? Let's dive into the eye-opening conversation with legendary surfer Carlos Burle about his harrowing experience and the heated debate it sparked.
In a recent chat following his terrifying Nazaré wipeout, Burle, the 58-year-old Brazilian big-wave pioneer, shared how this ordeal topped anything he's faced before. After being pounded by multiple waves, he was dragged to shore, gasping for air and needing oxygen support. The intensity of it all made him reflect deeply on whether clutching a GoPro in such extreme conditions was a smart move. He now believes the camera disrupted his focus, dulled his quick reactions, and even tangled up the rescue efforts – where every split second can spell the difference between escape and disaster.
But here's where it gets controversial... Back in Brazil and recovering, I connected with Burle via his Instagram to unpack the incident and his bold stance on cameras in perilous surf. We started with the basics: How are you holding up?
"I'm doing fine overall," he replied. "No lingering issues, but I'm starting vestibular physiotherapy – something new for me. It targets the inner ear to help with balance and spatial awareness. I hated that disorienting feeling of being submerged without a clue about my surroundings. I had to rely heavily on my instincts to sense the water's movements and gauge the chaos around me. It was awful."
You mentioned this was your toughest hold-down, but not your worst wipeout overall?
"Absolutely," Burle explained. "I once had a wipeout at Jaws in 2013 that sidelined me for six months. But what happened at Nazaré? That wasn't a fluke accident; it was more like an unplanned incident. I could head back to Nazaré and surf again right now if I wanted. In fact, I just finished a workout: 20 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes on legs, and then some physio. As a guy who's spent tons of time underwater, yeah, that hold-down was brutal. But I didn't snap a bone or lose a limb. No water in my lungs. Physically, I'm in great shape."
You brought up how the GoPro complicated your rescue. What's the buzz from others – fellow pros and the surf community?
"I haven't directly seen much of the feedback," Burle admitted. "I've mostly been discussing it with my crew to figure out better strategies for next time. These days, everyone's chasing that perfect footage, and it can lead to distractions or slower responses, just like mine. And you know what? I notice a spike in mishaps because folks are constantly recording. This isn't just about big waves either. Think about everyday life: People driving or biking while glued to their phones, always plugged in. It bothers me a lot. For me, though, it was a massive wake-up call. I completely misjudged the risks."
And this is the part most people miss – the human element in extreme sports. Did you think about ditching the camera mid-crisis?
"The roughest part hit early on," he said, "but toward the end, it became second nature. I wasn't even registering the GoPro anymore. From what I recall on the shore, someone pried it from my grip without me realizing – I'd developed this automatic reflex. I was paddling with it like it was an extension of my body. Survival mode kicked in; I think I was in shock, and my body just reacted instinctively."
The scene at Nazaré was intense, as captured in screenshots. What changes are you planning for future sessions?
Burle outlined a revamp: "I'm tweaking multiple aspects – from the GoPro setup to safety gear and flotation devices. I had way too many chest layers compressing me underwater; that's gone. It made breathing a struggle. I'd also adjust my wave approach. I aimed straight for the bottom, but my buddy Lucas Chumbo pointed out that veering slightly left from the start would've been safer."
He continued, "Next time, I'll opt for a mouth mount or strap the GoPro to the board's nose – way simpler. I also realized flotation pads on the legs, hips, lower back, and arms are crucial. Plus, during team talks, we discussed inflating the CO2 vest beforehand to find that sweet spot for breathing while adding extra buoyancy. Combine that with strategic wetsuit pads, and you've got solid chest support. I'm okay wasting one cartridge since there are three backups. It's worth it for peace of mind."
Is this a message other wave riders should heed – skip the camera to dodge disasters?
"Definitely," Burle emphasized. "And it's not just for surfers; the entire industry needs to listen and innovate better tech. Current mounts are fantastic, but we need something even easier. Imagine a tiny wrist camera that allows smooth swimming, capturing 360-degree views from inside and outside the wrist. That'd be game-changing. I believe it'll happen soon."
When might we see you back in the lineup this season?
"Heading to Hawaii in a couple of weeks for two months," he shared. "I'll hunt for waves there, but I'll steer clear of the monster days in ultra-dangerous spots that demand peak physical power – my stamina isn't what it used to be. But I've got wisdom and experience on my side. With a solid team and top gear, I can navigate tough scenarios."
"No plans to return to Nazaré this season," he added. "This time of year is too chilly; fingers go numb, and you're bundled in heavy wetsuits with gloves 24/7. I prefer October through December at the latest."
Now, here's a thought to chew on: Is the thrill of capturing that viral surf footage worth risking lives in the ocean's most hostile arenas? Or do you see it as an unavoidable part of modern adventure sports? Share your take in the comments – do you agree with Burle's call to innovate safer camera tech, or is he overreacting in a sport where danger is the norm? Let's discuss!
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