Katie McConnell: Paddling Into Death-Defying Waves

What do you do when the thing you love could literally kill you?

This week, Julie and Abby welcome Katie McConnell, one of the top big wave surfers on the planet, an athlete who paddles (or gets towed) into towering walls of water where timing, calm, and judgment are the difference between getting out… or not. Katie explains what a “big wave” really is, the physics and chaos behind places like Nazaré, and why chasing swells is part science, part instinct, and part spiritual relationship with the sea.

Then the conversation turns to a different kind of fight: Katie’s mission to change the system for women in big wave surfing, from uneven invites and costly last-minute travel windows to building a future where women aren’t “included” as an afterthought, but centered in the story. Extreme sport. Ocean obsession. Equality push. Puny humans, giant waves.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com

Keep the Party Going:

Follow Katie: https://www.instagram.com/keiti_mar/

Learn more about Katie: https://www.surfwithkatie.com/

Watch 100ft Wave Documentary Series: https://www.hbomax.com/shows/100-foot-wave/34e489ad-2eca-4078-adb6-6d2b521b407e

Follow more big wave surfing, follow:@bigwavechallenge @thebigwavealliance @womensbigwavecollective

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