Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton, born Laird John Zerfas on March 2, 1964, is an American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and occasional fashion and action-sports model and actor. He was born in San Francisco but moved to Hawaii with his mother at a young age. It was in Hawaii that he met surfer William Stuart 'Bill' Hamilton, who became a mentor to Laird. Bill Hamilton was a renowned surfboard shaper and owner of a small business making custom surfboards for the Oahu North Shore big wave riders. Laird is married to Gabrielle Reece, a former professional volleyball player, television personality, and model.