Surfer Laird Hamilton

All Round Waterman, Big Wave Charger

Surfer Laird Hamilton is a legend amongst surfers and cross-water sports enthusiasts worldwide. He was apparently born in a bathysphere (like an underwater birth chamber), he was dropped into  a vat of surfboard resin  when he was 3 and raised by his famous step father – another legendary big wave surfer called Bill Hamilton in in Hawaii. He is also arguably known as the man who has ridden the biggest wave on earth? Check out the movie just below and see the massive sledging waves ridden by Laird Hamilton.

Having a wipeout on a big assed wave can literally push a surfer under the surface as much as 30-40 feet and you must be able to hold your breath for long periods of time, be super fit to handle the extreme turbulence you’ll experience, be able to orientate yourself soi you can head towards the surface and also be able to swim exceptionally well. This is particularly important as a surfer needs to get air before the next wave comes through which can be between 20-30 seconds. Getting caught under in a multiple set series of breaks is extremely dangerous.

Tow-in surfing is also part of big wave surfing but involves the rider being towed onto the actual wave by a small high powered zodiac or jet ski.
Having a wipeout on a big assed wave can literally push a surfer under the surface as much as 30-40 feet and you must be able to hold your breath for long periods of time, be super fit to handle the extreme turbulence you’ll experience, be able to orientate yourself soi you can head towards the surface and also be able to swim exceptionally well. This is particularly important as a surfer needs to get air before the next wave comes through which can be between 20-30 seconds. Getting caught under in a multiple set series of breaks is extremely dangerous.