The best books by Laird Hamilton
If you’re a passionate watersports enthusiast, you may already be familiar with the iconic Laird Hamilton. Hamilton, a renowned big-wave surfer, and waterman, has also published several inspirational books that have captured the spirit of being out on the waves. From instructional to autobiographical works, this article looks at some of Hamilton’s greatest reads.
If you’re looking for a source of motivation or just want to learn more about the master himself, these books will surely provide invaluable insights.
Who is Laird Hamilton?
Laird Hamilton is an iconic waterman and one of the most famous big-wave surfers in the world. He was born in San Francisco, California, to a family with deep surfing roots. His parents were both avid surfers, and his father was an Olympian at one point. Laird’s mother taught him to surf from a very young age.
Laird began his professional surfing career by competing in local events during his teenage years and later traveled to Hawaii for some of the biggest surfing competitions in the world. In 1993, he married Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player, and sports model, which further propelled him into the spotlight.
The couple moved to Malibu, where Laird developed a technique known as “tow-in” surfing that enabled him to tackle some of the biggest waves on Earth, giving rise to fame as a master big wave surfer throughout Hawaii and California.
His career has gone beyond just surfing, though. He is an innovator who has achieved extraordinary things, such as writing two New York Times bestsellers to share nuggets that helped propel him to the pinnacle of big wave surfing. He also runs a podcast to motivate people and share lessons learned from surfing.
Hamilton has appeared in films and also produced Take Every Wave, a documentary about his life as a waterman.
The best Laird Hamilton books
Force of Nature: Mind, Body, Soul
Published by Rodale Books, Force of Nature explores Laird Hamilton’s journey to find a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. It allows readers to dive into the depths of Hamilton’s past and trace his incredible life journey as a professional surfer and waterman.
In addition to sharing personal anecdotes and lessons Hamilton has learned along the way, Force of Nature also provides practical advice on achieving balance in the mind, body, and soul. With inspiring stories, helpful insights into our relationship with nature, and refreshingly honest reflections on life’s challenges and joys, this book is a must-have on every reader’s wishlist.
Liferider: Heart, Body, Soul, and Life Beyond the Ocean
Liferider is a fascinating exploration of life from the perspective of one of the most iconic figures in surfing today.
Laird brings together his five pillars—Death & Fear, Heart, Body, Soul, and Everything is Connected—to illustrate how to live life to its fullest. Liferider draws on extensive interviews between Laird and co-writer Julian Borra and additional insights from Laird’s wife, Gabby Reece. It examines topics ranging from human resilience and relationships to business and technology.
Through Laird’s raw honesty and unvarnished view of life beyond the ocean, readers are offered a glimpse into what it takes to elevate their ordinary lives into something extraordinary.
Fuel Up
Based on Hamilton’s globetrotting lifestyle, Fuel Up offers an exotic collection of healthy recipes that will excite the taste buds. In addition to recipes from around the world, such as South Africa’s Wild Coast and Australia’s Gold Coast, Hamilton includes his own novel take on food preparation.
Throughout this great book, readers are provided with detailed step-by-step instructions for creating delicious dishes that are both healthy and flavorful. Alongside each recipe, Laird shares helpful tips and stories from his travels.
Hamilton also discusses various aspects of nutrition to help readers understand how their diet affects their overall health.
Laird Hamilton’s book recommendations
In addition to being a writer himself. Laird Hamilton also reads a lot to gain inspiration, so here are some of his top book recommendations:
- Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance by Christopher McDougall
- Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales
- Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols
- The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown
Speechify Audiobooks—Your source for great sporting books
With a library of over 70,000 titles, Speechify Audiobooks is the ultimate platform for an immersive listening experience.
The platform offers a unique selection of audiobooks, from best-selling writers to up-and-coming authors and everything in between. This includes the best fiction and crime non-fiction titles, with new releases being added every week.
The adjustable playback feature lets you customize the listening speed. You can also easily bookmark passages or chapters and revisit sections of your favorite books.
Take your listening experience one step further with Speechify Audiobooks.
Get your first book free today.
FAQ
What is the biggest wave Laird Hamilton surfed?
The biggest wave Laird Hamilton surfed was the famous “Millennium Wave” at Teahupo’o break in Tahiti in August 2000.
What is Laird Hamilton famous for?
Laird Hamilton is a professional big-wave surfer renowned for pushing the boundaries of surfing and redefining what is physically possible in the ocean.
What time does Laird Hamilton go to bed?
Laird Hamilton typically goes to bed around 9:35 P.M. to get enough rest and start the next day feeling refreshed.
Who is Laird Hamilton’s wife?
Laird Hamilton is married to professional volleyball player Gabrielle Reece.
Why did Laird Hamilton write a book?
Laird Hamilton ventured into writing to share his insight, knowledge, and experience as a fitness and extreme sports expert.
How many children does Laird Hamilton have?
Laird Hamilton is a father of three.