Laird Hamilton Biography: Movies, Net Worth, Instagram, Age, Wikipedia, Nationality, Parents, Spouse, Kids

Laird Hamilton is an esteemed American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and a versatile model and actor in the fashion and action-sports industries.

He gained worldwide acclaim for riding the Millennium Wave at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, on August 17, 2000, a groundbreaking achievement as the first 70-foot wave to ever be successfully ridden, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest surfers in history.

Known for his well-rounded abilities across various surfing disciplines, Hamilton is often regarded as “the sport’s most complete surfer.”

His influence extends beyond traditional surfing to stand-up paddleboarding and hydrofoil boarding, positioning him as a key figure in the evolution of crossover board sports.

In addition to his surf career, Hamilton is an entrepreneur and fitness expert, having developed the XPT (Extreme Performance Training) program, which integrates breathwork and water-based training techniques.

Profile

• Full Name: Laird Hamilton
• Stage Name: Laird Hamilton
• Born: 2 March 1964
• Age: 60 years old
• Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and a versatile model and actor
• Height: 1.89 m
• Parents: Bill Hamilton, Joann Zyirek, L. G. Zerfas
• Siblings: Lyon Hamilton
• Spouse: Gabrielle Reece (m. 1997), Maria Hamilton (m. 1992–1995)
• Children: Reece Viola Hamilton, Izabella Hamilton, Brody Jo Hamilton
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life And Education

Laird Hamilton was born Laird John Zerfas on March 2, 1964, in San Francisco, California. His biological father, L.G. Zerfas, who emigrated from Greece, left the family when Laird was an infant.

Following his father’s departure, Laird and his mother, Joann (née Zyirek), relocated to Hawaii. It was there that Laird’s life took a pivotal turn when he met William Stuart “Bill” Hamilton, a surfer and surfboard shaper, who later became a father figure after marrying Joann.

Laird has one half-brother, Lyon, who is also a surfer, and is the son of Joann and Bill Hamilton. Tragically, Joann passed away from a brain aneurysm in 1997.

While growing up in Hawaii, Laird faced difficulties at school, where he was one of the few blonde students and experienced racial bullying.

At the age of 16, he chose to leave school in the 11th grade to pursue a modeling career and work in construction, marking the beginning of his unconventional path. Laird’s ethnicity is a blend of Greek and American, though his religious beliefs have not been publicly disclosed.

Career

Laird Hamilton’s connection to the ocean began at an early age, growing up on the shores of Oahu where he developed a deep and lifelong passion for surfing. His early experiences with the waves shaped his commitment to pushing the limits of the sport.

In the early 1990s, Hamilton became part of the innovative “Strapped Crew,” a group of surfers who experimented with strapping themselves to their boards in a bid to explore new possibilities in big-wave riding.

This experimentation led to the development of tow-in surfing, a groundbreaking technique that involved using inflatable boats to tow surfers into massive waves that could not be caught by paddling alone.

This innovation transformed big-wave surfing, enabling surfers to tackle larger and more challenging waves with unprecedented precision and control.

Hamilton’s most iconic moment came on August 17, 2000, when he famously rode the Millennium Wave at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, a wave that reached around 70 feet in height.

Known for its dangerous and shallow reef break, the wave presented a significant challenge, but Hamilton’s skill, bravery, and technical expertise were on full display as he navigated its powerful vortex.

Captured by numerous photographers and videographers, this ride not only solidified Hamilton’s place in surfing history but also made him a globally recognized figure within and outside the surfing community.

Over the years, Hamilton continued to push the boundaries of the sport, becoming known for riding waves over 70 feet high and achieving speeds of more than 30 miles per hour, earning him accolades as one of the greatest big-wave surfers of all time.

Beyond surfing, Hamilton has ventured into a variety of other fields. As an environmental activist, he has advocated for ocean conservation and sustainable practices within the surfing world, reflecting his respect for the ocean and its ecosystems.

Additionally, he has made significant contributions to fitness and wellness through his XPT (Extreme Performance Training) program, which focuses on breathwork and water-based training techniques.

His influence extends to the entertainment industry, where he has appeared in various films and documentaries, including Riding Giants and the James Bond film Die Another Day.

He has also been featured in American Express commercials and made a cameo in the 2015 film Point Break. Hamilton’s multifaceted career and dedication to both sport and wellness have established him as a prominent and inspirational figure across several disciplines.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @lairdhamilton
• Facebook handle: Laird Hamilton
• Twitter handle: @LairdLife

Personal Life

Laird Hamilton is married to Gabrielle Reece, a former professional volleyball player, model, and television personality. The couple wed on November 30, 1997, and has two daughters, Reece and Maya.

Their relationship is built on mutual respect and support as they navigate personal challenges and demanding careers. Before marrying Gabrielle, Laird was married to Maria Souza from 1992 to 1995, with whom he shares a daughter, Maya Bella.

After his divorce, Laird’s relationship with Gabrielle quickly developed, and they began living together shortly after meeting, a pivotal moment in their lives. The couple often shares insights on their life, highlighting the importance of play, discipline, and family.

Filmography

As an Actor:

• North Shore (1987)
• Waterworld (1995)
• Die Another Day (2002)
• Step into Liquid (2003)
• The New Tom Green Show (2003)
• Listen Up (2004)
• Boards of Canada: Dayvan Cowboy (2006)
• Air New Zealand Presents a Safety Safari (2015)
• American Dad! (2016)
• Ballers (2018)
• The Trainer (2024)

As a Producer:

• Laird (2001) (Video)
• Riding Giants (2004) (Executive Producer)
• Take Every Wave: Laird in VR (2017) (Short)

Net Worth

Laird Hamilton’s net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million, earned through his diverse career as a professional surfer, model, actor, author, and entrepreneur.

His wealth is derived from his success in surfing, endorsement deals, and several business ventures, including his involvement with Laird Superfood.