Life’s Work: An Interview with Laird Hamiltonby Alison Beard - HBR

Laird Hamilton: A Legacy of Innovation in Surfing

Laird Hamilton is a name synonymous with revolutionizing modern surfing. After mastering traditional surfing as a teenager in Hawaii, he spent his life pushing the sport’s boundaries. His career has been marked by innovation, adventure, and a relentless pursuit of bigger waves. Hamilton is credited with pioneering tow-in surfing, hydrofoil surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), all of which have transformed the way athletes interact with the ocean. Beyond his contributions to surfing, he has starred in documentaries, launched a nutritional food business, and developed training programs for both amateur and professional athletes. His journey is an inspiring story of determination, curiosity, and leadership that can serve as a model for students looking to make an impact in their respective fields.

The Drive for Innovation

Hamilton attributes his push beyond traditional surfing to a rebellious nature and a need to solve problems. He has always been someone who questions the status quo. When big waves seemed impossible to catch, he and his team experimented with towing. To combat surface tension on the water, they developed hydrofoiling. Stand-up paddling was born from a desire to stay upright and see more of the ocean. His curiosity and problem-solving mindset led to advancements that changed the sport forever. This mindset is something students can adopt: by questioning established norms and seeking new ways to overcome challenges, they can drive innovation in their own fields.

Developing Tow-In Surfing

Tow-in surfing, one of Hamilton’s greatest innovations, came from a desire to ride waves that were too big to paddle into. The concept first emerged from experimenting with windsurfing equipment. During the summer months, when waves were smaller, Hamilton and his team played around with towing techniques and realized they could use boats and later Jet Skis to pull themselves onto waves. This breakthrough allowed them to ride waves of unprecedented size.

Hamilton stresses the importance of vision in innovation. He describes himself as “the monkey that sees and does,” meaning he visualized the success of tow-in surfing before refining it. For students, this highlights the power of seeing the bigger picture and believing in the potential of an idea before it becomes a reality.

Balancing Risk and Reward

Surfing massive waves comes with inherent risks, but Hamilton and his team mitigated these risks through preparation and technological advancement. From evolving surfboard designs to improving rescue techniques, every aspect of tow-in surfing was refined to make it safer and more consistent.

Teamwork is a crucial component of any high-risk endeavor. Hamilton compares his partnerships in surfing to those in the military or marriage, where trust and reliability are paramount. This lesson applies to any field: success often depends on building a team of like-minded, skilled individuals who can be relied upon in critical situations.

Selecting and Building a Strong Team

Choosing the right team is both an instinctive and trial-based process. Hamilton has learned that some people react well under pressure, while others do not. He has lost friendships when it became clear that certain individuals were unwilling to put themselves on the line for the team. At the same time, he has forged deep bonds with those who have demonstrated reliability in dangerous situations.

This lesson is invaluable for students who are forming study groups, project teams, or business partnerships. Surrounding oneself with people who are committed, trustworthy, and skilled can make the difference between failure and success.

Understanding and Managing Risk

Despite the apparent danger of big-wave surfing, Hamilton insists that the ocean is predictable and honest. Years of experience and preparation allow surfers to understand wave patterns and make calculated decisions. His mantra, “We only ride now to ride another day,” speaks to the importance of knowing when to push forward and when to step back.

Students can apply this principle in their careers by assessing risks intelligently. Whether launching a startup, taking on a challenging academic program, or pursuing a competitive internship, balancing preparation with risk-taking is key to success.

The Mentality of Success

Hamilton believes that mental preparation is as important as physical training. Before attempting to surf the “millennium wave” in 2000, he relied on faith, preparation, and confidence. Doubt, he argues, can be a significant obstacle. By eliminating uncertainty through rigorous training and planning, success becomes more achievable.

This mindset applies to students preparing for exams, job interviews, or major life decisions. Confidence, built through preparation and self-belief, can be the key to achieving ambitious goals.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Hamilton has often been the face of big-wave surfing, but he acknowledges the role of his team. Although there have been tensions over his fame and financial success, he has always tried to uplift his teammates. They call him “the general” because he is the one who drives and motivates the group.

This dynamic is similar to leadership in any industry. True leaders support their team, share credit, and create opportunities for others. Students aiming for leadership roles should focus on building strong, collaborative relationships while also taking responsibility for driving projects forward.

A Passion for Innovation

Beyond surfing, Hamilton has applied his innovative mindset to other areas, including business and fitness. He enjoys the process of turning ideas into tangible advancements. However, he admits that once an innovation reaches a stage of incremental improvement, he often moves on to the next challenge. This trait keeps him engaged and constantly evolving.

For students, this highlights the importance of adaptability. As industries change, being open to new challenges and innovations will keep them ahead in their careers.

Diversifying Interests and Careers

Unlike many professional surfers, Hamilton diversified early in his career. He took on modeling, acting, and stunt work before launching businesses in nutrition and training. He explains that the relatively small platform of surfing pushed him to seek other opportunities, but he was also naturally curious.

Students should take note of this approach. Specialization is important, but developing multiple skills and exploring different industries can open unexpected doors.

Training Elite Athletes

Hamilton has trained some of the world’s top athletes, including NFL players, NBA stars, and professional boxers. These athletes are already at the top of their game, so small adjustments can lead to significant improvements. Their willingness to experiment and embrace new techniques is what makes them exceptional.

This lesson applies to students aiming for excellence. Being open to learning, adapting, and making small but meaningful improvements can lead to long-term success.

The Importance of Learning Through Failure

Hamilton teaches athletes to embrace failure as part of the learning process. He believes that failing and then succeeding is a skill in itself. The ability to persist through setbacks and continue improving is crucial in both sports and life.

For students, this means understanding that failure is not the end—it is a stepping stone. The more they push themselves outside their comfort zones, the more they will grow.

Passing Down Knowledge

Although Hamilton does not see himself as a traditional teacher, he has developed ways to communicate complex ideas in simple terms. He emphasizes giving one instruction at a time rather than overwhelming learners with too much information.

This is an effective approach for mentoring and leadership. When guiding others, focusing on clear, actionable advice is often more beneficial than offering too much information at once.

Balancing Work, Life, and Relationships

Hamilton and his wife, professional volleyball player Gabby Reece, maintain a strong personal and professional partnership. Their success is built on mutual respect, teamwork, and maintaining individuality.

For students, this reinforces the importance of balancing ambition with healthy relationships. Supporting and respecting those around you can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment.

Lifelong Learning and Growth

At 61, Hamilton continues to push boundaries. He believes that retirement is not an option—life is about continuous learning, movement, and growth. His willingness to try new things keeps him feeling young and engaged.

For students, this is a powerful reminder that learning should never stop. The key to a fulfilling career and life is curiosity, adaptability, and the pursuit of new challenges.

Conclusion

Laird Hamilton’s career is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and leadership. His willingness to take risks, build strong teams, and push beyond traditional limits has transformed surfing and inspired athletes worldwide. His mindset and strategies can serve as valuable lessons for students aiming to achieve success in their own fields. By embracing curiosity, preparation, and resilience, they can carve their own paths to greatness.

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