At 6’3”, 215 pounds, with an uncommon combination of balance, flexibility, and strength, Laird Hamilton is truly a "larger than life" athlete. Not only is he the quintessential big wave surfer, Laird is also known as a world renowned “innovator”, and guiding genius of crossover board sports including tow-in surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and hydrofoil boarding.
In addition to riding many of the biggest waves on the planet, Laird has produced and appeared in a number of surfing films, including Radical Attitude (1992), Wake Up Call (1996), Step into Liquid, (2003) and most recently the surfing documentary Riding Giants (2004) where he appeared and served as an executive producer. In addition to his film work, Laird has appeared on numerous television shows such as Oprah's Master Class, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. In 2017 Oscar nominated director Rory Kennedy produced Take Every Wave, a feature documentary on 'The Life of Laird Hamilton'.
Over the last decade Laird has transcended surfing to become an international fitness icon and nutrition expert. Many of today's top professional athletes, such as NBA All Star Joakim Noah, look to Laird for training guidance, including instruction in his unique underwater resistance workouts.
Laird is also a bestselling author. His first book, FORCE OF NATURE: Mind, Body, Soul, and of Course, Surfing has become the go-to manual for people seeking inspiration for a healthy lifestyle. In 2018, he released Fuel Up Up - Recipes for High Performance Humans, and in 2019 he released LIFERIDER, that looks at 'life being the biggest wave you'll ever ride'.
Laird’s passion for helping others live happy, healthy lives is also exhibited through his work with various charities such as Race Across America, Pipeline for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis, Rain Catcher, and Muscular Dystrophy.