Laird is considered the Father of Modern Paddle Boarding
Force of Nature by Laird Hamilton
Published in 2010
What: Laird Hamilton’s guidebook on how to live life.
For: Anyone who is a fan of Laird Hamilton.
3 out of 5 stars – Good
Laird Hamilton has been called the world’s greatest big wave surfer. I don’t know if that is true, but he is somewhere near the top of the list. Laird is famous for what is called “The Millennium Wave” that he surfed at Teahupoo, Tahiti in August, 2000. Which at the time was the heaviest wave ever surfed. And it made the cover of Surfer magazine.
“If you just get out of your own way… It is amazing what will come to you.”– Laird Hamilton
Laird is known for being an innovator. His approach to surfing, training, diet and life are his own. He helped create or popularize tow-in surfing, stand up paddle boarding and foil-surfing. However, for those reasons many surfers do not like him. Line-ups are more crowded with activities that are not “pure” like traditional surfing. Regardless, love him or hate him everyone can agree that Laird is one of the most innovative and influential surfers alive.
“For those searching for something more than just the norm. We lay it all down, including what others call sanity, for just a few moments on waves larger than life. We do this because we know there is still something greater than all of us. Something that inspires us spiritually. We start going down hill, when we stop taking risks.”
-Laird Hamilton
Force of Nature
The book is divided into four sections: Mind, Body, Soul and Surfing. Half of the book is great photographs. If you are a fan of Laird you will definitely want the book just for the photographs. Don’t expect a lot of text or an in depth look at the topics. It’s more of a guidebook full of practical wisdom and common sense tips. This is really a guidebook on how to live life Laird’s way. And Laird’s way is a good way.
When Laird talks you are wise to listen for he knows these subjects well. Big wave surfers understand the mental game of dealing with fear. They take training and nutrition seriously. Life depends on keeping their minds and bodies sharp. Plus Laird is no youngster, he is well into his 50s.
That’s why this is not just another celebrity fitness book. Remember what Laird does and why these topics are so important to him. Putting his life on the line year after year riding killer waves.
“The idea is to become an old wizard; to live a long and fruitful life and have family and be healthy and enjoy the ride. And speaking of the ride, why not let it rip, at least a little bit? Everyone I know who’s really stoked about getting out of bed in the morning does that to some extent.”
– Laird Hamilton
Since the book was published….
I do know that since this book was published Laird has added quite a few innovative training methods to his regime. He does underwater weight training in his pool. He alternates sauna and ice baths for recovery. And does breathing exercises learned from world record holder Wim Hof, the Dutch “Ice Man”.
Enjoy this interview by Lewis Howes on his excellent The School of Greatness Podcast.
