The pioneer of big wave surfing — Laird Hamilton's Teahupo'o ride on August 17 2000 is considered the greatest wave ever ridden.
The pioneer of big wave surfing — Laird Hamilton's Teahupo'o ride on August 17 2000 is considered the greatest wave ever ridden. Surfing rewards the ability to read and respond to the ocean, combined with technical skill and the mental and physical courage to perform in challenging conditions. Career highlights included Teahupo'o 2000 — Greatest Wave Ever Ridden, Pioneer of tow-in surfing, Pioneer of hydrofoil surfing. The true measure of a great surfing athlete is the ability to perform consistently over an extended period, and Laird's career record demonstrates precisely that quality of sustained excellence. Laird's contribution to surfing extends well beyond personal statistics to include the broader culture and development of the discipline at the highest level. Competing at the highest level in surfing over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Laird Hamilton demonstrated consistently and impressively.
o 2000 — Greatest Wave Ever Ridden
Career Honours
- o 2000 — Greatest Wave Ever Ridden
- Pioneer of tow-in surfing
- Pioneer of hydrofoil surfing