Laird Hamilton: Reinventing Surfing E167

Legendary surfer Laird Hamilton joins host Randall Kaplan on the In Search of Excellence podcast for a raw and unforgettable conversation about innovation, mindset, and personal transformation. Hamilton shares how he co-invented tow-in surfing , stand-up paddleboarding , and surf foiling , turning niche ideas into billion-dollar global sports . From serving as Kevin Costner’s stunt double in Waterworld to surviving a near-death experience in the ocean, Laird opens up about the moments that shaped his fearless mentality. He dives deep into the philosophy of pain , extreme preparation , mentorship , and the pursuit of purpose. He also explores the challenges of public life , the importance of family , and how to thrive under pressure. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers powerful life lessons from one of the most innovative figures in extreme sports history. 🎧 Episode Highlights and Timestamps: 00:00 – Laird Hamilton’s Impact on Surfing and Paddleboarding 00:48 – Kevin Costner Stunt Double & Near-Death Experience 05:19 – Hawaii Five-0 Appearance & How Pain Can Be a Great Teacher 08:17 – The Role of Extreme Preparation in Achieving Success 17:51 – Co-Inventing Stand-Up Paddling with Tom Jones 25:07 – The Evolution of Surfing and Rise of Foiling 29:16 – Mentorship and Its Influence on Growth 40:52 – Family, Relationships, and Defining Personal Success 41:07 – Facing Controversy and Shaping Public Perception 50:49 – Marriage, Partnership, and Life in the Public Eye 👉 Listen now to hear Laird Hamilton’s incredible journey—and get inspired to break boundaries, defy expectations, and live with discipline and excellence. 🔔 Don’t forget to

You can listen to Laird Hamilton: Reinventing Surfing E167 online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Laird Hamilton: Reinventing Surfing E167 is an episode from In Search Of Excellence by Randall Kaplan.

This episode is 52:21 long.

This episode was published on Jul 15, 2025.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from In Search Of Excellence when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.