Laird hamilton found fame and fortune surfing the worlds biggest breakers. Laird hamilton is an inescapable figure in the world of surfing. Laird john hamilton born march 2, 1964 is an american bigwave surfer, coinventor of towin surfing, and an occasional fashion and actionsports model. See more ideas about surfing, hamilton and big waves.
Access surflines daily digest of the latest in surf laird hamilton journalism. Casey unlocks the mysteries of waves in her fascinating and enlightening book. He is married to gabrielle reece, a professional volleyball player, television personality, and model. Laird hamilton is best known as an american big wave surfer and pioneer in the world of action water sports. In pursuit of the rogues, freaks, and giants of the. The story has been retold by both men many times, not least in stacy peraltas riding giants, and if laird s age at the time of this fateful meeting tends to vary sometimes he is two, others three, while peraltas film.
The life of laird hamilton, the latest documentary from rory kennedy last days in vietnam, is partly the life story of hamilton. The 247page volume tells fiftyfouryearold laird s story, which is compelling enough born in an experimental bathysphere, abandoned by daddy. How fitness icon laird hamilton stays in shape at 55. Get a behindthescenes look at an interview with bestselling author, susan casey and bigwave surfer laird hamilton as they discuss giant. International fitness icon, nutrition expert, and professional bigwave surfer, laird hamilton, offers his take on human resilience, relationships.
Laird hamilton the greatest big wave surfer to have. With nick carroll, darrick doerner, laird hamilton, gabrielle reece. World renowned waterman laird hamilton is known as the guiding genius of crossover board sports, and is largely considered the primary influence behind many surfing innovations, including towin surfing, standup paddle boarding, and hydrofoil boarding. His first book, force of nature, allows readers a rare glimpse inside the unique. Sep 11, 2017 legendary big wave surfer laird hamilton discusses the new documentary on his life, take every wave, politics, business, and more. Like the surfers and scientists she profiles, casey lived and breathed giant waves for years. Rory kennedy, paul speaker, mark bailey, jack youngelson bigwave surfer laird hamilton has always seemed like an action figure sprung to life, complete with extraordinary physical abilities, a penchant for crisscrossing the globe, and a. Laird hamilton the greatest big wave surfer to have lived. Oct 26, 2006 laird hamilton compilation from the film laird. In pursuit of the rogues, freaks, and giants of the ocean doubleday, 2010. The pioneer of extreme surfing is the legendary laird hamilton, who, with a. In 1992, big wave surfers such as laird hamilton and darrick doerner introduced a cross over sport called towin surfing. Casey follows this unique tribe of people as they seek to conquer the holy grail of their sport, a 100foot wave. Laird was born laird john zerfas in san francisco on march 2, 1964, in an experimental.
Interview with legendary surfing icon laird hamilton. The king of big wave surfing shares a few of his most cherished items laird hamiltons favorite things photo. Many of todays top professional athletes and celebrities look to laird for training guidance, including instruction in his unique underwater resistance workouts. Laird hamilton on the wave that nearly killed him best life. His younger brother lyon describes him as a 100% disobedient child, and we learn laird was often picked on as one of the few white kids in a hawaiian school in the 1970s. Laird hamilton has been hailed as the worlds greatest big wave surfer.
Now, laird s hollywood cameos, malibu lyfe, and twotonesofgold adonis aura mightnt be for everyone. About half of the book follows laird hamilton as he chases the biggest waves in the world to surf, while the other half documents the scientists who strive to understand what causes rogue waves and how to build ships and platforms to withstand them. Near the end of any modern surf history book, as the author gushes about the technological advancements of modern surfing and how towin, big wave surfing will change the waveriding landscape, there will almost certainly be a photo of laird hamilton, perfectly coiffed, cruising around atop an unbroken swell strapped to a hydrofoil. Surfing laird hamilton is a key personality in the development of big wave surfing.
For legendary surfer laird hamilton, hundred foot waves represent the ultimate challenge. He cocreated towin surfing with buzzy kerbox and dave kalama in the 1990s. Even if youve never tried surfing, you know who laird hamilton is. Surfer magazine has labeled laird as, the sports most complete surfer,displaying. Author bio laird hamilton is one of the worlds best known big wave surfers. The famous big wave surfer laird hamilton has spent days coordinating rescues after severe rain struck last weekend, causing mudslides and power outages. But, as he tells tim lewis, his daredevil streak could easily have led him down more dangerous paths as a. It is a species of hip replacement but one with no restrictions. Surfer magazine has labeled laird as, the sports most complete surfer,displaying almost unnerving expertise in a multitude of. I really enjoyed parts of the book but, in my mind it seemed to be inconsistent.
Simultaneously, you cant talk about big wave surfing without referring laird hamilton. The king of bigwave surfing shares a few of his most cherished items laird hamiltons favorite things photo. Laird hamiltons millennium wave reshapes how the world. So rather than vicariously grovel through our laptop screens, lets instead watch laird s wave 18 years on and imagine how it would fare in a teahupoo contest today. To get amped for my below interview with him, check out a few minutes of this insanity. He is credited with the creation of towin surfing, as well as the rebirth of standup paddle boarding. This week, were grabbing the tow rope of foot strap surfing s godfather, laird hamilton. In the wave she whisks the reader off to unimaginably surreal settings and puts them in the middle of mindblowing scenarios. He is one of the reasons why surfings most dangerous discipline is such a popular water sports activity today.
For comparisons sake, watch laird s wave above, then lets check out the 2014 perfect10 fest between slater and medina below. Maybe hes on your radar as the creator of a line of revolutionary superfood products. Or as one of the innovators of such crossover sports as standup paddle boarding and towin surfing. His first book, force of nature, allows listeners a rare glimpse inside the unique philosophy that has created his circumstances, and not the other way around. Casey blends her reporting on seafarers and scientists with a portrait of towsurfing, and in particular, its bestknown purveyor, laird hamilton. Surf the longest wave in the world with laird hamilton in vr. One of the biggest names in extreme sports, he practically invented the modern form of big wave riding two decades ago. Still making waves the big wave surfer, whose life is the subject of a new documentary, talks about his fear defect and his latest projects. This design causes the board to leave the surface of the water at various speeds. Hamilton was the guy who back in 1993, pioneered a new way of surfinggetting towed into the wave by a jet ski. The taker of every wave laird hamilton discusses the new documentary about his life and his divisive path through surfing november 8, 2017 by todd prodanovich social icon rss social icon twitter.
His first book, force of nature, allows readers a rare glimpse inside the unique philosophy that has. Casey went firsthand to maui to hang out with laird hamilton and his crew, and traveled around the world on redeye flights to chase. The life of laird hamilton doesnt exactly wade deep into the psyche of the legendary surfer, but his spectacularly filmed exploits on the water are awfully fun to watch, even. Force of nature is a combination of stories, personal reflections, recipes, workout guides, inspirational thoughts, anecdotes from pro athletes, and of course surfing tips from famous wave rider laird hamilton. Biggest waves of laird hamiltons life outlook youtube. His size63, over 215 poundsmakes him seem indestructible. He was one of the inventors of towin surfing, which allowed surfers to catch bigger waves than they could by paddling themselves. This is laird s official youtube channel is to showcase laird s big wave surfing videos, standup paddling videos, foiling videos interviews, how to tips, w. Laird hamilton, terry chung, luca padua, and benny ferris towsurf lift foils custom hydrofoil boards on the most infamous and dangerous waves. For those unfamiliar with the term, towin surfing is when a jet ski or helicopter is used to literally tow a surfer into a wave that would otherwise be too large or in too precarious of a situation for a surfer to paddle into.
And his earliest iterations of foil surfing included a pair of snowboard boots and stainless steel blade. He was one of the first on the standup paddle program. Laird hamilton, bigwave surfing legend, on how to find. For those who dont know a foilboard is s a surfboard with a hydrofoil that extends below the board into the water. But hes much more than just a surfer, hes also huge in the world of fitness and an entrepreneur who fizzes with creative ideas, many of which have been transformed into seriously innovative products. His first book, force of nature, allows readers a rare glimpse inside the unique philosophy that has created his circumstances, and not the other way around. Aug 06, 2007 laird is probably the greatest surfer that has ever lived, but he refuses to compete in surfing contests. Jul 14, 2017 wave chaser laird hamilton discusses the 12 most memorable movies ever made about surfing, from documentaries to the slightly embarrassing ones. See more ideas about surfing, hamilton and big wave surfing. Laird hamilton s life is unlike many others in that his pursuit of excellent physical condition and forwardthinking wave riding is still thriving at the age of 53. Recently, laird hamilton, who is the worlds greatest big wave surfer, released a book called force of nature. Transcending the surf genre, this indepth portrait of a hardcharging athlete explores the fear, courage and ambition that push a man to greatness and the cost that comes with it. Surfer laird hamilton continues search for a bigger wave.
This type of surfing involves being towed into massive waves by jet ski, allowing for the speed needed to successfully ride. Amongst the surf community, he is also one of the most controversial figures, an innovator who has revolutionized the sport often to the dismay of purists. Surf pro laird hamilton on the power of big waves and the. But, as he tells tim lewis, his daredevil streak could easily have led him down more dangerous paths as a young man. Laird hamilton is widely considered the greatest big wave surfer of alltime. At 55 years old, laird hamilton has evolved into much more than a big wave surfer and fitness iconentrepreneur, author, trainer, superfood scientistand his. Laird hamilton is perhaps the greatest big wave surfer of all time, a living legend who has tamed some of the worlds mightiest waves. Sep 28, 2017 it laird s world and we are just living in it. Mar 15, 2019 at 55 years old, laird hamilton has evolved into much more than a big wave surfer and fitness iconentrepreneur, author, trainer, superfood scientistand his latest book, liferider. While many riders still participate in both sports, they remain very distinct activities. Casey combines an insane passion for craft with an uncanny ability to describe the indescribable.
Laird hamilton has been hailed as the worlds greatest bigwave surfer. Still making waves the bigwave surfer, whose life is the subject of a new documentary, talks about his fear defect and his latest projects. In addition to his affinity for the water, laird is labeled as an inventor, author, stunt man, model, producer, tv host, fitness and nutrition expert, husband, father and adrenaline junkie. Laird hamilton mentioned this book on the tim ferriss show podcast. Half hawaiian, half californian, laird hamilton pioneered the birth of towin surfing and participated in some of the most epic xxl sessions in the history of the sport. With the assistance of a jet ski, which, as one commentator says, provides access toward waves too big and too powerful to paddle out to, he gets far enough out to hook on to waves 70, 80, 100 feet high.
Well, a great deal of it is about big wave surfing in maui and specifically laird hamilton who lives there and surfs at a break called jaws. Laird hamiltons millennium wave reshapes how the world looks. But no matter what your thoughts on mr hamilton are, theres two particular elements of his existence that changed big wave surfing and cannot be ignored. At 55 years old, laird hamilton has evolved into much more than a big wave surfer and fitness iconentrepreneur, author, trainer, superfood scientistand his latest book, liferider. This month, his fitness book force of nature comes out in paperback, and hes featured in susan caseys new book, the wave, as one of a crew of surfers who jet around the world in search of. Laird hamilton is known as the guiding genius of crossover board sports, and he is truly amazing in the water. I really responded to laird s commitment to excellence, yet laidback attitude on a variety of topics. Jun, 2014 perhaps the most aweinspiring was laird hamiltons wave at teahupoo, tahiti, on august 17 th, 2000.
This video of big wave pioneer and all around bad ass laird hamilton foilboarding is mesmerizing. Surfing legend laird hamilton is an icon of big wave riding, having conquered some of the largest breakers the mighty ocean has ever conjured. Apr 26, 2019 there is a moment in the documentary take every wave. This is the remarkable story of an american icon who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. After all, this is a man whose biological father abandoned him. This is lairds official youtube channel is to showcase lairds big wave surfing videos, standup paddling videos, foiling videos interviews, how to tips, w. Check out surface hippy for stories of surfers who came back. Laird hamilton discusses the camaraderie of big wave surfing, and what some of those giant waves have meant to him. Surfing legend laird hamilton, who was at malibu beach this morning, helped rescue a stranded surfer who lost his board and his leash as the monstrous waves.
Most people choose to avoid placing themselves directly in the path of a 70foot wall of water barreling forward at breakneck speeds not laird hamilton. Casey blends her reporting on seafarers and scientists with a portrait of tow surfing, and in particular, its bestknown purveyor, laird hamilton. Bu the blonde, blueeyed waterman obsessed with fitness and healthy eating is also an active businessman with multiple interests. Meet laird hamilton, the worlds premier bigwave surfer, and one of. Jun 10, 2018 laird hamilton found fame and fortune surfing the worlds biggest breakers. Laird was bodysurfing as sixties longboard stylemaster and big wave charger bill hamilton walked along the beach. Laird hamilton, a surfing legend, has been rescuing people. Even if you find hamilton s personality and approach offputting, you will likely be awed by the surfing footage. Find all the best adventure content right here on our youtube channel and across. Perhaps the most aweinspiring was laird hamilton s wave at teahupoo, tahiti, on august 17 th, 2000. Laird hamilton, on his divisive path through surfing. Reading the wave is almost like riding one, paddling in the expositional surf of vivid imagery.
Rory kennedy, the youngest daughter of bobby and ethel, has made a name for herself as a fearless documentarian, one who tackles politically charged topics with an expert eye for detail. Laird hamilton is one of the worlds best known big wave surfers. Laird hamiltons agebusting 10point plan to supercharge. And today, at age 53, he remains one of the most superbly conditioned athletes in the world. Laird hamilton in take every wave this is the story of an american icon who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. Laird hamilton built a career by pushing boundaries. Enter whats regarded as the longest wave in the world. Greatest big wave surfer of all time releases book of various personal philosophies. As a big wave riding pioneer, foiling innovator, and towin trailblazer, the californian with greek blood has always been able to push the limits of surfing and water sports. Laird hamilton is an american bigwave surfer, coinventor of towin surfing. On august 17, 2000, he rode one of the meanest and thickest waves on the planet. The life of laird hamilton when laird and his surfing partner buzzy kerbox decide they will proneboard from the island of corsica to the. Laird hamilton is well known in the surfing community and is the subject of the recent, award winning documentary take every wave.
Surfing s wild man of a certain age now 53, americas most recognizable surfer has seen most of his peers surrender to cautiousness. Lairds millennium wave turned the surfing world on its head. Get breaking news in all things surf, featured stories, and our renowned surf forecast and science articles. Over the last decade, laird has transcended surfing to become an international fitness icon and nutrition expert. Laird s millennium wave turned the surfing world on its head. Laird is the elder son of sixties surfing legend bill hamilton and is a throwback to that time when surfers prided themselves on being allaround watermen. Transcending the surf genre, this indepth portrait of a hardcharging athlete explores the fear, courage and ambition that push a man to greatnessand the cost that comes with it. In her astonishing new book susan casey captures colossal, shipswallowing waves, and the surfers and scientists who seek them out. Liferider audiobook by laird hamilton, julian borra.
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