HawkeTalk 151. Laird Hamilton: Award-Winning Big Wave Surfer & Wellness Innovator
In this episode of Hawke Talk, I sit down with legendary waterman Laird Hamilton to dive into his extraordinary life story from being pushed into waves at age two in Hawaii to pioneering the biggest breakthroughs in surfing history.
Laird opens up about growing up on some of the most dangerous beaches in the world, the influence of his single mother and stepfather, and the relentless drive that kept him chasing the ocean day after day. He shares the behind-the-scenes of breaking barriers in big-wave surfing from inventing tow-in surfing to riding Tahiti’s “Millennium Wave” that redefined what was possible.
We explore the evolution of his career beyond traditional surfing: windsurfing, hydrofoiling, modeling, and entrepreneurship, all while holding true to his philosophy that persistence, curiosity, and loving what you do are the keys to a life well-lived.
Through near-death wipeouts, industry skepticism, and reinventing equipment to keep up with nature’s power, Laird’s story is a testament to relentless pursuit, faith in the unknown, and never letting your memories outgrow your dreams.
In this episode:
- (00:00) The best advice: be relentless and love the pursuit
- (04:30) Riding waves by age two and shaping his first custom board at six
- (10:05) Obsession with the ocean and ditching school to surf
- (21:45) Breaking barriers with tow-in surfing and the Millennium Wave in Tahiti
- (28:17) Facing near-death wipeouts and rescues at sea
- (31:40) Transitioning into hydrofoiling and riding a 10-minute wave on his 60th birthday
- (36:25) Why curiosity and openness fuel the next frontier of ocean exploration
- (40:15) Laird’s advice: be relentless and love the work
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About Our Guest
Laird Hamilton is a world-renowned big-wave surfer, innovator, and pioneer of modern-day surfing. Born in San Francisco and raised on Hawaii’s North Shore, he grew up on the world’s heaviest waves and went on to redefine the boundaries of ocean sports.
Credited with inventing tow-in surfing, advancing hydrofoiling, and tackling some of the largest waves ever ridden, Laird has built a career on pushing limits and embracing fear as fuel. Beyond the ocean, he has modeled, acted, and co-founded companies like Laird Superfood, bringing his passion for health and performance to a global audience.
For Laird, surfing is more than a sport; it’s a lifelong pursuit of flow, innovation, and respect for the ocean.
Laird Hamilton
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