Laird Hamilton is best known as an American big-wave surfer and pioneer in the world of action water sports. 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.
At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Laird is unique in the way that he balances flexibility and strength. A renowned innovator and guiding genius of crossover board sports including tow-in-surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and hydrofoil boarding, Laird is the essential Water Man, continuously pushing the limits and expanding all possibilities.
Over the last decade, Laird has transcended from surfing becoming an international fitness icon and nutrition expert. Many of today’s top professional athletes and celebrities look to Laird for training guidance, including instruction in his unique underwater resistance workouts. Partnering with his wife, professional volleyball player and TV personality, Gabrielle Reece, Laird created Extreme Performance Training (XPT). XPT is a unique and powerful fitness training and lifestyle program featuring their unique water workouts, performance breathing, recovery methods, high-intensity and endurance training for people of all fitness levels and backgrounds.
In addition to the hands-on fitness teachings Laird offers, he released his first book in 2008, Force of Nature: Mind, Body, Soul, and, Of Course, Surfing (Rodale Books), which has become the go-to manual for those seeking inspiration for leading a healthy lifestyle; the book hit the New York Times Bestseller list within two weeks of publication. Laird is also a contributing editor for Men’s Journal, where he writes about his own fitness, health and nutrition philosophies.
The entertainment industry has also called on Laird, appearing in a number of feature films and surfing documentaries including Radical Attitude (1992), Wake Up Call (1996), Step into Liquid, (2003) and Riding Giants (2004) where he also served as executive producer. He also performed as a stunt man and surfer in The Decendants (2014), Water World (1995), Die Another Day (2002) and Point Break (2015). In addition to his film work, Laird has appeared on numerous television shows such as Oprah’s Master Class, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, Chelsea Handler, Conan O’Brien, Steven Colbert and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
When Laird is not busy surfing the biggest waves in the world, inventing new water toys and appearing in Hollywood features, Laird is a philanthropist. He has always had a great passion for helping others live a happy, healthy life, as exhibited through his work with non-profit organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Race Across America, Pipeline for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis, Rain Catcher, Muscular Dystrophy and City of Hope.
As for his personal life, Laird, his wife Gabrielle Reece and their daughters split time living in residences in Hawaii and Malibu, California, chasing waves, staying in top shape and continuing everyday adventures.
Follow Laird’s official social media pages as follows:
Facebook: @LairdLife
Twitter: @LairdLife
Instagram: @LairdHamiltonSurf
I’m truly impressed by Laird’s healthy lifestyle. I read his Men’s Journal healthy article every month. I was telling my wife about his health drink concoction of the tumeric and vinegar and how it helps him in the afternoon. I must admit I am a fruit smoothie with whey protein morning guy myself but also do the apple cider vinegar in the morning. The vinegar keeps my Ph balance in check. I’m in my mid -fifties, work out 4 times a week and do yoga 2 times. I’m trying to fit more cardio in.
At 5-7, 165 lbs people say I look in great shape. I think being half-filipino helps too. Thanks for the great articles.
Best, James
Dear Laird
I am writing to you on behalf of Andy Meikle, CEO of the Meikle Files. Andy is a close friend of Layne Beachley’s and she has suggested that you might be willing to speak to Andy for his High Performance Research.
Andy will be in Hawaii from 18 -29 April and California during May and would be very pleased if you could find the time for an interview, it would take no more than an hour.
The Meikle Files (www.meiklefiles.com) is a research platform for Andrew, who has spent much of the past two decades studying people who achieve extraordinary results in a wide range of endeavors, gaining insight into the psychology, philosophy and strategy of human high performance globally.
Andrew is regarded as a leading thinker on human behavior around leadership and high performance. At the centre of his work is a growing body of research built on interviews with many of the world’s pre-eminent thinkers, scientists, physicians, athletes, academics, religious leaders, artists and elite military servicemen and women. Among some 1000 high achieving individuals he’s interviewed are Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, evolutionary biologist Professor Richard Dawkins, adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary, Psychologist Daniel Kahneman and Paul Ekman, athlete Carl Lewis and many leading business figures and CEOs.
I hope that you might consider this request.
Best wishes
Julie McGrath
Dear Laird; First of all, you’re cute, it’s a girl thing. Oops probably politically incorrect, but you’re still cute. Seriously, I just saw your documentary and was so inspired. I too am blessed to have the ability to dream and chase that dream. Life always brings challenges both good and bad. It’s up to us to make sense of the uncontrollable. You’ve done that!! Your wife said it in the film (paraphrasing) we limit ourselves sometimes prematurely. Laid hasn’t done that. FYI: I’m your age and about to have hip surgery (an old ski injury and genetics) Do it now. You’ll be grateful in the future and still riding the big waves. Respectfully Susanna PS: you’ll always be cute LOL
I was so impressed watching Mr Hamilton helping to rescue people in the recent massive floods of Hawaii. He strikes me as a really GOOD man, so simply said, but such a novelty in this crazy world re are living now. He cares about people and knows what TRUE happiness is all about just by caring for other people
A fine example of a good person, for sure!
Alexander W Smith
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Canada
PS: Maybe you know Buffy Ste Marie, a great humanitarian who I have always looked up to for almost 60 years.
I believe Ms Ste Marie lives on the Island of Kauai as well….hence the reference to her.
Ive only just heard About him form Bethany Hamiltons blog but he seems amazing and I can’t wait to hear more about his inspiration and more :]