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

He Co-Founded Tow Surfing at Peahi, Maui

Photo: David Fleetham/VW PICS/UIG via Getty Images

Living on the island of Maui, Laird wasn’t far from a monstrous offshore reef known as “Peahi,” or “Jaws.” Only a few brave surfers had attempted to paddle into the wave before. But paddling couldn’t match the speed of the wave, and Laird and his crew recognized that they needed to take a different approach if they were going to attempt it. That’s when they put together a smaller surfboard with foot straps and incorporated a jetski to get towed and pulled into the wave.

It’s vital to have a skilled and trusted person manning the jetski to tow into a wave as big and dangerous as Peahi. For this wave, surfing is no longer a solo affair. Laird’s regular group of buddies charged the wave and became known as the Strapped Crew- Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Darrick Doerner, and Buzzy Kerbox.