Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton, renowned as the guiding genius of crossover board sports, has greatly contributed to numerous surfing innovations, including the co-invention of tow-in surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and hydrofoil boarding. Apart from his achievements in the surfing community, he is also a respected innovator, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and philanthropist.

Standing at 6’3” and weighing 215 pounds, Hamilton possesses an uncommon blend of balance, flexibility, and strength. He has transcended the surfing realm to emerge as an international fitness icon. He is the eldest son of '60s surfing legend, Bill Hamilton. A testament to his writing prowess, his first book, "Force of Nature - Mind, Body, Soul, and, Of Course, Surfing" enjoyed success on the New York Times Bestseller List. Hamilton, along with his wife Gabrielle Reece, co-created Extreme Performance Training (XPT), adding another feather to his multifaceted career. As a driven entrepreneur, Hamilton also founded Laird Superfood, a testament to his dedication to promoting health and fitness.

Hamilton's dedicated passion for fitness takes form in more than just one sport. In 2009, he participated in the Race Across America, a grueling 3,000-mile cross-country bike race that benefited charities such as Beautiful Son Foundation for Autism and Pipeline for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Committed to philanthropy, Hamilton has pledged his support to the Surfrider Foundation’s Not The Answer Campaign, and has featured in their 30- and 60- second PSAs urging President Obama and Congress to reinstate the moratorium on offshore drilling.

In addition to being surfing’s most recognized big-wave surfer, Hamilton’s international visibility has grown due to numerous movie and television appearances. He had a role in the feature film The Descendants, directed by Academy Award winner Alexander Payne, opposite George Clooney and guest-starred opposite comedian Jay Mohr on CBS’s "Gary UnMarried." Furthering his involvement in the film industry, Hamilton will be seen in the upcoming dark comedy feature The Trainer with Stephen Dorff, John McEnroe, and Gina Gershon. Hamilton was a featured surfer in Riding Giants and Step Into Liquid.