Garrett McNamara has excluded himself from this year’s Billabong XXL awards telling ESPN that, “We decided to pull my waves from Nazare out of Billabong XXL because I do not ride for Billabong and I did not go out that day and surf for a world record or to win any XXL prize money. I was out there because I live for big waves, it’s what I love to do!! It is not necessary to have a Billabong panel measure it. There have already been quite a few educated professionals who have measured it anywhere between 60-110 feet!”

To his credit G-Mac has never claimed a size on the wave, other than to say it was very, very big. Due to appear on the “60 Minutes Sports” TV show this weekend, Garrett even had a pop at us for first claiming it was a 100 foot. Here, in an interview with Epic TV, here makes it pretty clear his stance on the matter.

Garrett also cited the sponsors of the XXL awards as a factor for pulling the pin. “Also one of my main reasons for withdrawing is due to the sponsorship of the Billabong XXL by an alcohol company [Pacifico]. I feel very strongly that we, as athletes, should not endorse alcohol. We are sending the wrong message to the general public,” added McNamara.

Personally this member of the general public thinks a cold beer after a day of waves is one of life’s great pleasures, but then again I don’t go around riding waves that may, or may not, be a 100 foot high. In any case, the 2012/13 Billabong XXL Awards will take place at the Grove in Anaheim on May 3. To see all of the entries go to BillabongXXL.com. We can safely say Garrett won’t be a winner on the night.