Laird Hamilton

Laird going a big wave ( Myers, Sasha)

A wave in Hawaii that is 70ft. tall comes crashing down with a man surfing; a man who is fearless and strong. That man is Laird Hamilton.  Laird Hamilton was born March 2, 1964, in San Francisco, California. As a child he moved to Hawaii and became a pro surfer. His dad left him when he was little and he was adopted by Bill Hamilton a pro surfer who taught Laird how to surf (Laird Hamilton. Gale). The next time we see Laird, he's breaking world records! Laird is a record holder of many titles; one record he holds is in European windsurfing.  He crossed the English channel surfing 70ft waves in documentary about tow surfing, and he has surfed some of the heaviest waves ever ridden. All of these accomplishments makes him a hero. Some heroic characteristics are bravery, strength and kindness towards others. Laird Hamilton is a hero because he is heroic, courageous, and also generous.

Laird Staring Heroically (Laird Hamilton.com (Globalsportsforum))

Additionally, Laird should be honored because he does not keep his stardom just for himself; he is generous. This pro surfer has started and contributed to many different charities, one includes raising awareness for children with autism (Laird Hamilton Epic Adventure for Autism Charity). "In 2003, Hawaii filmmakers Don and Julianne King realized that something was wrong with their son, Beau. He wasn't developing properly anymore. This is where Laird Hamilton comes in... Having been a long standing and personal friend of Don and Julianne, Laird decided to lend his support and help raise the profile of Autism in general" (Laird Hamilton Epic Adventure for Autism Charity). This shows how Laird is supportive and really is a true hero. Laird is a great guy who cares about others and when there's a cause he's all into it. He makes sure he can do things to help people.

In conclusion, Laird is a hero not just because he surfs the biggest waves, but because he's innovative an caring. Laird is a hero because he has crossed the English channel, surfed the heaviest waves by tow-surfing, has created a charity for those in need, and holds the European windsurfing speed records. He is inspiring to me and others because he overcame being an outcast as a kid and having his dad leave him. Many people may have given up on life but Laird knew it wasn't the end; so instead of giving up he pushed forward and accomplished amazing feats!  Not only has he gained records, he has inspired many people to surf or try their hardest at whatever they set their minds to. Laird has showed many that you have to push the boundaries of your life to do certain things. Laird has again and again put himself out of his comfort zone to show others that you should always follow your dreams no matter what happens.

Laird on a stand up board (lairdhamilton.wordpress.com (Jpeg))

Laird Hamilton is courageous because he rides huge waves that for a normal surfer may hurt them. In this news article, Laird is surfing the biggest wave he's ever ridden and says how scary it truly was. "A friend and I were out in surf that was over well over 100 feet-and I had dived off on a wave that might as well have been 100 or 200. I don't know-at that point I didn't have my tape measure-but it demanded every bit of my experience and strength. I came up to the back of it, and my friend who was on the back of the wave grabbed me with the Jet Ski. We proceeded to try to run away from the next wave and got run down from behind by one of the biggest waves that I have ever seen. It was definitely the biggest wave to ever run me down from behind" (Hamilton, Laird). This is just some of the story about Laird Hamilton and his scariest wave,  but the point being is that this was his scariest wave and hopefully as he said "it would be his last scary wave" (Hamilton, Laird). This show how courageous Laird truly is even in the toughest times he is still a hero. In this next article we see Laird breaking the European windsurfing speed record and crossing over the English Channel. This accomplishment shows how competitive Laird is and how hard he works to break records. He also co-invented tow surfing.  "Laird Surfed 70-foot waves in "Riding Giants" a documentary about tow-in surfing In 2000, tow in surfing is where a jet ski pulls you on your board and drags you into the wave instead of tiring yourself out by paddling"(Hamilton Bio.). Laird Hamilton is a hero because he possesses heroics, courage, and holds many records thus making him a hero in surfing and in life.