#86 Laird Hamilton - The Greatest Big Wave Surfer of All Time | Part 1
Nov 27, 2023
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Laird Hamilton, a legendary big-wave surfer and founder of Laird Superfood, shares his incredible journey from a quirky Hawaiian childhood to conquering monstrous waves. He reminisces about the thrills of surfing at iconic locations like Jaws and the early influences that drove his passion. The conversation delves into personal stories of resilience, the impact of community in tough times, and the pivotal role of fatherhood. Laird also discusses the health benefits of superfoods, merging his adventurous spirit with a mission for well-being.
Laird Hamilton's upbringing in Hawaii taught him resilience and the ability to embrace chaos.
Meeting his biological father allowed Laird to gain insight into his own identity and navigate the complexities of his past.
Laird found guidance and purpose in the teachings of the Bible, using it as a tool to shape his actions and relationships.
Despite a challenging background, Laird overcame generational trauma through personal discipline, faith, and a desire for change.
The core principles of love, truth, and faith are central to Laird's family life, shaping his relationships and providing purpose.
Deep dives
Early Life and Introduction to Surfing
Laird Hamilton, possibly the most prolific surfer in the world, shares his journey and mindset in this podcast episode. He emphasizes the importance of individuals following their own path and not conforming to societal norms. Laird's early years were filled with adventure, as he grew up in Hawaii surrounded by the surfing community. He had a fearless nature from a young age, engaging in activities like jumping off cliffs and attacking individuals who were mistreating his mother. This fearlessness eventually led him to the world of surfing, where he developed a deep passion for riding giant waves and became a truly exceptional surfer.
The Influence of Bill Hamilton and Chasing Chaos
Bill Hamilton, Laird's stepfather, played a significant role in his life. Bill was a surfer and introduced Laird to the world of surfing at a young age. Laird recalls fond memories of Bill rescuing him from the ocean and teaching him to ride waves. Additionally, Laird credits Bill with instilling in him a sense of fearlessness and the ability to embrace chaos. Growing up in Hawaii, surrounded by intense ocean conditions and a diverse cultural landscape, Laird learned to thrive in chaotic environments, finding comfort and familiarity in the midst of uncertainty.
Challenges and Lessons Learned from Childhood
Laird's childhood was marked by constant movement, financial struggles, and cultural tensions. His family experienced poverty, living in basic accommodations such as a roof-only house with an outhouse. Laird attended a school with high crime rates and faced discrimination as a white minority in Hawaii. Despite these challenges, his upbringing instilled in him resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. Laird's mother, who worked hard and valued education, encouraged his imagination through storytelling and nurtured his creative and independent spirit. These formative experiences shaped Laird's unique perspective and approach to life.
Seeking Adventure and Reconnecting with His Biological Father
As Laird embarked on his own path, he sought adventure and sought to reconnect with his biological father. At the age of 21, he took the initiative to locate his father and arranged a meeting. Although uncertain about the outcome, Laird was driven by curiosity and a desire to fill the gap in his understanding of his own identity. Their meeting allowed Laird to gain insight into his biological father's perspective and learn more about his own life story. This encounter helped him navigate the complexities of his past and embrace a sense of self.
Discovering the Importance of Faith and Truth
Growing up in a beautiful place surrounded by nature, Laird Hamilton always had an inherent belief in the grand architect of life. As he became interested in Christianity, he found that the teachings and parables of the Bible resonated with him and aligned with his values. The truth and wisdom he found in the scriptures became a tool for him, a plumb line to guide his actions and keep him on the right path. He believes that having faith and believing in something greater than oneself is essential in finding purpose and living a fulfilling life.
Breaking Generational Trauma
Laird Hamilton's upbringing was marked by a broken home, a mom with alcoholism, and a neighborhood that statistically would not have fostered his success. However, through personal discipline, faith, and a desire to break generational trauma, he was able to overcome the odds. Laird cites faith, discipline, and fortune as key factors in breaking the cycle of trauma and creating a healthy family dynamic. He also emphasizes the importance of truly wanting to change and being willing to put in the necessary work to break free from destructive patterns.
Using Tools of the Bible to Improve Family Life
Laird Hamilton found immense value in the teachings of the Bible and its tools for living a virtuous life. He believes that the commandments serve as a guide for shaping relationships and improving family dynamics. Laird highlights the rewards of aligning actions with biblical values and the detrimental effects of straying away from them. By using the Bible as a plumb line, he was able to make adjustments in his life to create a healthier and more fulfilling family dynamic.
Living a Life of Love, Truth, and Faith
For Laird Hamilton, the core principles of love, truth, and faith are at the heart of his family life. He emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with love, not just professing it. Laird believes that the Bible is a manual for life, offering guidance and truth in every aspect. By striving to live in accordance with the teachings of the Bible, he has experienced the transformative power of love, faith, and belief. Laird views faith as an ongoing journey and the source of strength for living a purpose-driven life.
Keys to a Good Marriage
Respect your partner and apologize when needed. A study found that successful relationships consistently had one thing in common: the man respected the woman. Apologizing and admitting when you're wrong also contributes to a healthy marriage.
Being a Father
Be a reliable rock for your children and cherish the time spent with them. Being a father is like being a solid post that holds up the roof of the house. Your role is to provide security, courage, and self-confidence to your children. Time with them is precious and goes by fast, so make the most of every opportunity.
Laird Hamilton is a legendary American big wave surfer, known for riding some of the most dangerous waves ever to break. Laird is also a fitness icon and creator of Laird Superfood.
Part one of this two part series is a chronicling of Hamilton's childhood in Hawaii where he met his first love–the ocean. Hamilton recounts what it was like being the odd man out in a culture he would grow to be apart of. This episode also covers his early surfing career and the beginnings of his insatiable drive to conquer the world's biggest waves.
