Talking Travel With Super Surfer Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton is best known as an American big-wave surfer and pioneer in the world of action water sports. In addition to his affinity for the water, Laird is labeled as an inventor, author, stunt man, model, producer, TV host, fitness and nutrition expert, husband, father, and adrenaline junkie. At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Laird is unique in the way that he balances flexibility and strength. A renowned innovator and guiding genius of crossover board sports including tow-in-surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and hydrofoil boarding, Laird is the essential Water Man, continuously pushing the limits and expanding all possibilities. Over the last decade, Laird has transcended from surfing to becoming an international fitness icon and nutrition expert. As co-founder and Chief Innovator of Laird Superfood, he has been able to take his nutrition expertise and create delicious, plant-based better-for-you food products that are accessible to all. Partnering with his wife, professional volleyball player and TV personality, Gabrielle Reece, Laird created Extreme Performance Training (XPT). XPT is a unique and powerful fitness training and lifestyle program featuring unique water workouts, performance breathing, recovery methods, high-intensity and endurance training for people of all fitness levels and backgrounds.

He talked to me all about his travels and his life spent in the water — and on land.

How do you travel with a surfboard? Please explain.

Old days were tow boards — smaller boards that you pack in a board bag and you always pray your equipment does not get damaged or lost. — nothing like getting to a faraway location with good waves and awards. Currently since I only foil, I put my foils in a hard case similar to a bicycle case and break the foil and board down and travel like that.

What are your top three favorite surfing spots?

I appreciate and live for Peahi (on the North Shore of Maui), Teahupo”o (in Tahiti).

Do you have a favorite beach?

Lumahai beach (Note: It’s on Kauai and where much of the movie South Pacific was filmed).

What’s on your bucket list?

Continued quest for surfing long and large waves. I would enjoy riding a 60-foot wave at 60 if Mother Nature provided.

What is your favorite travel destination?

Hawaii. I love the air, the water, the land, the people, and the culture. Plus, it’s my home.

Where did you honeymoon?

Gabby (he is referring to Gabrielle Reece, the famous professional volleyball player) and I did not honeymoon since we were married on Kauai. It was like a wedding/honeymoon all rolled into one. We were trying to make our life a honeymoon.

What is the best thing you ever ate?

I have had some unforgettable delicious foie gras on a farm restaurant in Bordeaux – plus the fish at Minas Fishhouse on Oahu.

What is your favorite restaurant in the world and why?

My kitchen because I have a daughter and wife who are great cooks.

Do you typically fly first-class or private jet?

I typically fly First or Business Class.

What airline loyalty plans do you belong to — what is your favorite?

I’m part of most domestic loyalty programs: United, American, Alaska, and Delta. United seems to make it the easiest.

What brand of luggage is your favorite?

Anything durable, but I have a Yves St. Laurent carry-on you can’t kill. The thing has lasted me 12 years so far.

What is the best souvenir you have ever bought in your travels?

Local jewelry for Gabby, and I did get a Mo’ai statue from Easter Island that memorialized a special trip for me.

What is always in your carry-on suitcase?

Extra surf shorts and a T-shirt in case my luggage gets lost, an Instant Latte from Laird Superfood (it’s great because all you have to do is add hot water and I have a high-level coffee no matter where I am), and maybe a few of our bars even though I fast when I’m flying.

What do you always order from hotel room service?

A lot since I just fasted on my flight. In all seriousness, poached eggs and fruit have appeared on many of my room service carts.

What beauty/health/wellness items do you always take with you on your travels?

I use Dr. Hauschka lip balm, radical moisturizer, a non-fluoride toothpaste, Laird Superfood creamers, hydrate, and bars.

How do you stay so fit and trim when you travel?

I try to enjoy the local food wherever I am, but I do my best to stay on the rails. Honestly, when you live a disciplined life, it’s essential to enjoy the local specials, but I still find myself eating healthy overall. On the nights I can control, I will still try to get to bed at a decent hour, and I love building trips around activity. Play in the water, surf, snowboard, bike, hike, etc.

If you were stranded on an island, what is the one piece of food you would take, which you could munch on endlessly, what is the one luxury item you would bring with you?

Luxury item: my pillow. You wouldn’t know it from my caveman style, but I love my soft, thin pillow. As far as a food I could munch on endlessly, I would bring macadamia nuts for the fat and protein.

Fore more about my Wanderlust and Wellness travels, please Follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.