Young Maya is shy, and she often feels fragile and scared because of her asthma … except for when she’s in the water, the one place where she feels strong.

While many in the fishing village of Nazaré are afraid of “the Beast”—the giant wave heard throughout town as it crashes—Maya finds it beautiful and mesmerizing. She dreams of riding the waves like the brave boys she watches from the shore. Many doubt that a girl can surf the biggest waves. But with a
special surfboard from her dad and a courageous heart, Maya will show everyone that a girl can meet the Beast head-on.

Professional surfer Maya Gabeira, known for breaking world records, shares a story of resilience, defying expectations of women in sports, and daring to achieve the impossible. Maya and the Beast is an empowering reminder that even the smallest people can have bravery as big as the sea.