Laird Hamilton's Relentless Pursuit of The Edge | Rich Roll Podcast

"Always walk like you're a visitor." Nice.

Lairds' a living legend!

Laird is so much more than a surfer dude, he’s such an aware astute smart man and even though he has taken wild chances in the surfing industry he’s always been alert and respectful of his surroundings. My hats off to this interview Rich!

He is a genuinely positive, motivating, cool guy. The world needs more Laird Hamilton's!

The thing I always love about Laird is how wide open he is with everything..... Including his laugh.
Always feel like his extreme physical conditioning certainly keeps his mind jacked up as well. Thanks Laird for the example of how to be a good and proper wild man!!!

Laird’s energy is contagious. Good dude.

Since its christmas , I have to share these few stories - I am a person who has been following Mr and Mrs Hamilton over the years , my daughter is a big wave surfer and I hired Derrick Doerner to coach her for 6 weeks when she had the dream of going to nursing school ... ha ha , not , when she had the dream of being a serious surfer . So instead of college , she went to Oahu and got an extremely appropriate and informative introduction to the waves of the seven mile miracle . She is now actually living the dream , she helped them get the Queen Of the Bay Red Bull event going , and its going on right now . She and my grandaughter ( In Utero ) were in the final edition of Surfer Mag in an article about women who feel serious about their relationship with the ocean . -- So I do art , photography music , and am a bit of an observer . Once in Oahu , there was this couple living in their van , and the van was just so supremely artistic . I stopped and photographed them , they were like , a rolling museum of North Shore History . They had some puka sunrise shell necklaces , and she told me a story ... when they would look for the shells , other people would steal them , so she would put the sunrise shells in her mouth , when she was out shelling . So there was a photographer from the local Honolulu newspaper and he went to take a photo of her , and she smiled , and it was a sunrise shell smile . So then she opened the van door . I promise this story is worth reading ... so in the van , is a flat screen TV on the side wall , and on the TV is pasted a photograph across the whole screen , of Laird Hamilton riding a giant wave . And she smiled at me and said " I used to babysit for him sometimes " and you could feel the aloha pouring out . SO that story said , now I am in Kauai , and its christmas time , and I am a christmas tree freak . In fact , that was the time when I learned that the tree is the representation of the enlightenment experience , like all the chakras going off till the star lights up ... because there was an orchid , yellow with rust colored leopard spots , and it had a branch that shot up that was the 2-D shape of a x mas tree , and it bloomed from the lower longer branches , up to the tip at the top , day by day . So , I was like " OH " cause i have loved x mas trees my whole life . So , it being x mas , at the home depot in Kauai , there is an outdoor space where they have the trees for sale . I happened to be going into Home Depot , more about that , one armed jack and his genius solution for reducing the mosquito population , ... and there he is . Mr Hamilton . But its not like a person walking on the ground . He actually surfs stable ground as if his is flying around in water . He is jumping over his truck bed , landing on the ground , runs into the stack of trees , grabs one - and sort of tosses it into his truck and pays and goes , and all this happened in about 3 seconds . Now , me , going to the tree farm with the fam , the dog comes , we got hot chocolate , we stand around and decided ... I would take 2 hours all together . Why am I telling this story ? Because this man does everything differently . I have seen this in other men also , they are somehow faster . Like they are in a different time field . Listening to Mr Hamilton talk on this show , is interesting but watching his visual focus and movements is really more helpful to learn from his energy picture . He focuses his eyes , and his body moves , but the eyes do not move . That is why I told the story about the tree . How did he get on that giant wave ? He kept the eyes focused on the beauty , and the body moves as it will . We are really blessed by these masters when they share their inner process with the rest of us .

I could listen to Laird, any time any where. He is humble knowledgeable and competitive and driven and loyal. A great combination.🙏🏼

his understanding of metaphysics without actually knowing the concepts of them as a human simply chasing desires is very legit. He most def evolving in a great way

Wow! That's it. This is the Rich Roll interview that finally made my TV redundant! In this sea of pandem-onium, these wise old dudes are the cure for so much brain ache. Respect to you Rich for bringing out so many pearls from Laird. There's a purity to his wisdom that is truly beautiful. Perhaps it originates from free-spirited karma of his symbiosis with the ocean vibe. I live in another universe to his world. Sadly. But both my wife and I said, should we jump on a plane and get a hit of the island lore that creates such a vital soul.
I'm really grateful. The warmth of this conversation permeates the bleak British winter.
Authenticity wins. Honesty shines.
Peace on Purpose!
#gratitude
#onelove
🙏🏻

Can't believe this dude is almost 60... geez. Guy looks so healthy.

Aloha Laird, I used to visit my brother back when you and your family lived at Pupukea, late 60's+. He lived in front, and lived in your house when you moved to Kauai, 71'. I was so lucky to meet and share waves with Billy and the KeNui heros, and meet you as a youngster, before your journey through life. I recently watched Jerry's ying/yang movie, and you both seem to have found Nirvana in similar ways. You mentioned a session with some buddies without much interference, and that was how I felt Pupukea was like for me. Never lock doors, recognizing who's at someone's house by their sandals, stuff lidat eh. Summer v-ball in front brought the neighborhood together.
Your quite mellow and informative, and it's a pleasure to listen and absorb your experiences. Hi to the family, hope to sample all Gabby and your healthy eats. Papaya in any? ....Ron

Gotta love Laird! As an annual fan of the ironman championships, one year i got to be on the boat signifying the turn around point for the swim. Laird was on a paddleboard in waterman mode and so sweetly and diligently allowing the senior silver cap participants to hang onto his board and catch their breath.

The word Great doesn't do Laird justice....there isn't a word to describe what a badass Laird is.

Laird is the Man, this pod cast is fantastic!!! thanks for I know you, congratuialations. God bless you and your family. ALOHA!!!

Wow. Sooo many gems in this interview. Absolutely incredible!!!

My time in Hawaii was the best time of my life. Army stationed at Scofield, Derussy, PTA, Barking Sands and Kahoolawe. Flying over the Pacific in a UH-1, landing on Molokai and bringing the kids on the Leper Colony Christmas gifts brings a smile to my face. Oh yes I rode Waimea at 25 feet. Now it's just NJ with palm trees.

"It's like parenting- you can SAY whatever you want, but they (your kids) are just watching what you're DOING."-Laird... Wow. So true!! That one got me. Important to remember for those of us who are parents. 💜

So true about the islands. I've lived part of my childhood there, then a year on Kauai and most of my adult life on Hawaii Island. To survive and thrive just like the ocean theres no simply turning your back on the diversity of cultures and the mystical side of belief systems. Not to fabricate but ive had many an unexplained experience. Ive also witnessed what seems like the islands themselves chew people up and spit them back to the mainland. Maybe even having that thought and writing it down goes a bit far and steps on toes made of lava. There's a level of respect to stay within ambient good graces.

Laird is such a soft-spoken and humble guy for an AWESOME greek god of an alpha male, for which he is known in the sporting world. But humility is always the REAL MARK of the greats among us. It is the INSECURE and the NARCISSISTIC among us who are always arrogant and proud.
God bless us all.

Such a humble guy man, beginners mind all day

Laird is 100% confident. not an insecure thought in his head
His Goal Ride the biggest wave ever surfed in History 100 foot +
Another goal he fulfilled! He knew the guy was killed at Teahupoo ( local, who died after being slammed into the reef in 2000)and to make it right for him he went out and took on that terrifying beast and destroyed it to take the fear of that place out of the minds of future surfers.
A great Role Model of a Man ! Just be the best man you can be, the way God made you to be. ( Message to self)

I am glad you guys got to surf your dream. I grew up in the era of Shaun and Mike Thomson in Africa and through countless attempts to join the surfing championships, e.g. Gunston 500, etc we were as woman blocked. Refused entry. I loved the water and could make my board speak on the waves, plus I was an ace swimmer. Sadly the men of this age have not apologised or even tried to make things right for the older woman who lost out. Who knows, maybe one day there will be a competition where one day the older woman will not be scorned at and given the same money and opportunities to surf again. When I see you I am grateful for that resistance as I have learnt so much. I am grateful for you all as every time I hear you have done something even more awesome on the waves, I am deeply happy for you and wish you everything of the best. This to me was a magnificent sport and is today. Go from strength to strength.

Good to see laird give props to Oxbow..respect.

The energy in the islands is very special & has its own energy... I've been living in an island in the Med call Ibiza for the past 25 yrs 🌟🌈🌟came out here straight from USA....
Thank you to both for an awesome conversation

Wim: The cold is my teacher. Laird: The ocean is my teacher. Elemental.

power and control... in one package. marvel to see. 'ride every wave...'

Chuckling over Laird's suggestion that people scare themselves now and then. I was great friends with Cary Loftin, guru granddaddy of motion picture stunt drivers (Bullitt, et al). He was a proponent of that idea as well. Whenever he could, he used to drive by himself from CA to FL for the Daytona 500 (he loved that race and came out of retirement to drive a race car in the movie "Days of Thunder" when he was in his later 70s). When he got too tired to drive while out in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night an empty two-laner, he would throw his car into spin at speed and scare the ever living daylights out of himself! Wide awake again for another couple of hours.

I have to say I’ve never seen an interview of Laird this good he’s really become more enlightened and grounded on another level fascinating

With respect to a hell man innovator big wave surfer.

Anyone sipping on Laird turmeric coffee and agreeing with everything Laird and Rich are saying? 😆 🤣 😂

Thanks Rich & Laird for a nice conversation. 😁
I totally enjoyed the part when Laird talked about Donahue. They are both such a big adventurers, lovers of life who never stops exploring and trying new stuff.
I love Dons quote: ‘’The moment you stop moving, it’s all over!’’

Laird doesn’t age! Surfing legend for sure.

Man, that story of Don reminds me of my buddy Jacques DuVol, who was a Korean War vet too, worked for JFK, had a helicopter business in South Africa that was shot down by locals, but ended up spending a half century directly in front of the Moana Surfrider at Waikiki. I surfed with the guy out at Pops all through his 70s. He surfed 3 times a day. I got his suicide letter at 87 years old. His prostate cancer got unbearable. He always told me he’d take acid and paddle out from Kewalos, but he was so broken by cancer he had to shoot himself on the rocks instead. The Navy gave me his flag. I think as a 20 something kid then, this 70 year old surfer left a major impression upon me, more so than many others. God bless the Korean War vets.

fantastic talk.. mesmerised !!

Inspiring conversation of balance, innovation and that special brand of Laird's Wizardly wisdom.

In these uncertain times, this just made me happy...thank you both! ❤

I LOVE THE FREEDOM OF THIS TALK

LAIRDS THE MAN.. OG.. WISH I HAD THAT DUDES ENERGY..

What an outstanding episode that is!! Thanks, Rich and Laird.

I grew up with Billy and David in South Laguna. That's Laird's dad and uncle! Billy was THE most stylish surfer, possibly ever! So many sessions at Oak St. during High School.

Me too! It’s so the worthwhile path. I love that Gabby and Laird have been on this road Forever ❣️

Hey little Ripper myself and Clancy aka: Captain Zodiac took you to tunnels surf sessions on Kauai when you were 13 years old! I knew you were destined for greatness! Page

Connecting to nature will save humanity! ❤️

Yeah, one step at a time. Coming from a guy who can drop in off a100 ft. Wave. Love Laird and Rich.

Loved the interview. Inspiring and full of insights.

Another great podcast Rich, thank you so much man big inspiration

Such a great interview, Rich. Loved your questions, specifically regarding his relationship to water and the ocean. You could tell he fed off your lead and really clicked with you. Thank you for such great content! Laird’s energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious.

Been waiting a long time for this one! My two biggest heroes!!!

Laird and Rich thank you! I'm incredibly inspired by both of you. Top convo.

Mahalo for interview! Mother ocean determines our lifestyle & you both have presented us with that passion!

Rich and Laird thank you guys for an amazing talk about life. Rich this is the first time listening and I definitely dig your show. Laird, been following you for a while and enjoyed seeing the inspiration coming from your story. Really appreciate your guys energy!!!

There is something to be said about deep diving into your passion and applying the knowledge learned to EVERYTHING you do. His applied knowledge is intimidating but also inspiring.

I just subscribed to here because of this interaction. Absolutely in awe of this man. What a great name - Laird.

Love the podcast, keep manifesting everyone!🙏

One of Rich’s best🙏🏼⭐️

Laird is so cool!!!!! Love watching his interviews.. Smart guy!

We used my dads 14 foot boat a couple of times as a tow surf to ride 6 ft close outs in 83 then we put my dads boat up on the rocks then we had to pay to fix it and we had to cancel a trip to Bali.

Thanks for doing this Podcast. I have looked up to this amazing human for the best part of 30 years, when I started windsurfing. You produced a great interview, really enjoyed it. Thanks again.

That was great. Thank you for putting together this vlog.

We can only try and flow with the ocean,you will never overcome it.🙂🙂treat it like you would your lover.❤️

Amazing conversation, Rich so perfectly prepared, yet totally natural, and Laird honest, open and inspiring. I had to pause few times, just to write down some words of wisdom. Thank You & Aloha :)

"I think you guys are going to really dig it" Wow, took me back in a time warp--A good one.

Excellent interview. Thank you.

I've been purchasing the 'Laird Superfood (coffee) Creamer' for a few months and have a bag of the coffee scheduled to deliver today....good timing for this episode :)

Great interview. Love his energy.

Loved this interview

Love Laird! Thanks Rich :)

Terrific and illuminating conversation!! Thanks Rich and a special thanks to Laird for a willingness to be so candid!:)

Amazing podcast. Thank you.

wow amazing and love the clarity about life and sport and experience and great interaction interview

Laird is the modern day Tarzan.

38:25 Well said Rich. Great interview!

Laird is a really cool and knowledgeable person. I like him

Great conversation! Inspiring and refreshing det

Thanks guys, I appreciate your contributions. Keep it up - if you want ;)

Awesome interview! Great job RR.

Great episode!! Thanks guys!
Interesting that Laird's kids are not so much into the workouts and such.
Your children bring into your life the parts of you, you don't like about yourself. The more extreme your trait, the wilder this may turn out to be.
Maybe you don't let yourself rest or be lazy enough, Laird, and that is what they bring into your life - for balance!
The 'devil child' is mostly the true angel for a parent when perceived from the right angle.

Awesomeness

Good, good, good conversation! Thanks

We need elders more than ever right now !!!!

I just watched this podcast this morning and it’s impacted my life in what I believe is going to be a transformative way and I want to leave with the proposal to build a submarine that could help Laird surf the biggest waves anyones ever seen. It’s a metaphor of course but I did work on a submarine. Thank you both for everything you do for humanity. I love you guys and I mean that. 💙

Love the b-roll cuts!

what a legend

Been waiting for this since Gabby!!! 🙏🤍 😊

Love Laird's humility and sense of adventure. Also his relationship with Don Wildman was inspiring.

Great interview. I wish I had Laird's life.

Thanks for this..☀️🤙

As a teenager I surfed in Florida which was very innovative: we tried to invent waves.

Great stuff guys. Thank you

It's been a while since I've watched one of Rich's podcasts. I like the YT idea of doing these.
Rogan had a great thing going.
Good one, like the new studio.

Blessings for sure we are nature

Amazing Interview 🙏❤️

Thankyou

best interview with Laird...deep like the...

Amazing interview

Amazing interview 👍🏼

amazing!

Rich Roll said on the description "This is a rumination on what makes us human-and a call to pursue adventure"
"If we all care about another human as much as we care about animals, then no one would have to live under North Korean oppression. But somehow humanity is such weird thing that's why I keep thinking about what it means to be a human. We should look into what's wrong with us like we care about so many other things and not care about another human being. " Yeonmi Park, North Korean defector and human rights advocate.
UN described North Korea as a modern day holocaust and awareness of this must be spread in order to help save North Koreans.

Such great content sir.