From Haole To Hero: The Life of Big Wave Surfer Laird Hamilton

Growing up in Hawaii. Becoming a professional model. Making a living as a big wave surfer. It sounds like a beautiful life. But once you hear Laird’s story, you’ll see that it’s not all easy living. Before he was even born, his father left the picture. Once he was old enough to go to school, he was beaten and bullied. Laird’s determination and strong mind has led him to accomplish a lot, both in the surfing world and his personal life. But he also had more than a few brushes with death along the way. Here’s how Laird went from haole to hero.

His Father Left While His Mom Was Pregnant

Photo Credit: Instagram/@lairdhamiltonsurf

Laird’s parents were high school sweethearts, and his mother Joann Zyirek became pregnant with Laird as a teenager. Laird’s biological father, L.G. Zerfas, left before he was born. Joann was living in San Francisco, California at the time and decided to give birth to Laird at UCSF.

While many surfers can claim they were “born to surf” Laird was literally born in saltwater. His mother opted to give birth in an experimental salt-water sphere at UCSF Medical Center. Laird was born on March 2, 1964, and his mother decided to move to Hawai’i.