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 to 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 stuntman and surfer in The Descendants (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.
