Net Worth Ranker
What Is Laird Hamilton’s Net Worth?
Laird Hamilton, a prominent American surfer, investor, and model, has amassed a net worth of $25 million. This figure represents the combined net worth he shares with his wife, Gabrielle Reece, a former professional volleyball player and model.
Laird Hamilton’s Career and Earnings
Hamilton’s financial success stems from a diverse range of activities, primarily his surfing career. While he notably eschewed the traditional professional surfing circuit, his innovative approach to big wave surfing and his influence on the sport have contributed significantly to his income.
His modeling career, initiated at the age of 16 after being discovered on a beach by a photographer from the Italian edition of Men’s Vogue, provided early financial stability. This led to a modeling contract and appearances in various campaigns, supplementing his income from surfing-related endeavors.
Hamilton’s involvement in the film industry, including his antagonistic role in the 1987 film “North Shore” and his appearance in the 1989 windsurfing movie “Moving Target,” added to his earnings. Additionally, his work as Kevin Costner’s stunt double in the 1995 film “Waterworld” provided a substantial, though undisclosed, income.
In 1992, Hamilton, along with friends, pioneered the tow-in surfing technique, using boats and later personal watercraft to access and ride exceptionally large waves. This innovation, captured in the film “Riding Giants,” not only cemented his reputation as a big wave surfer but also enhanced his marketability and sponsorship opportunities. While specific sponsorship details are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that his endorsements with surfing-related brands and action sportswear companies contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Hamilton’s adventurous spirit led him to experiment with kitesurfing and stand-up paddle surfing, further expanding his influence in water sports and related industries. His impact on popularizing kitesurfing off the coast of Maui in 1996 also likely opened doors to new business ventures and partnerships.
One of Hamilton’s most iconic surfing moments occurred in August 2000 when he surfed an enormous wave at Teahupo’o in Tahiti. This event, filmed for “Riding Giants,” solidified his status as a surfing legend and undoubtedly increased his earning potential through endorsements, appearances, and other opportunities.
In 2005, Hamilton co-founded Laird Superfood with his wife Gabrielle Reece and friend Paul Hodge, a venture into the health food industry. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2020, providing a significant boost to Hamilton’s net worth. While individual stock holdings are not publicly detailed, the IPO would have generated substantial capital for Hamilton and his co-founders.
Hamilton’s book, published in 2008, further contributes to his income streams, though exact sales figures are not available.
Laird Hamilton’s Real Estate Holdings
In July 2011, Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece listed their 5,000+ square foot home in Maui, Hawaii, for $2.79 million. The property, located on 9.99 acres, featured four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a wraparound canopy lanai measuring over 1,000 square feet. The property also included a million-gallon fish pond and tranquil gardens. The home, which was built in 2004 and previously featured on “MTV Cribs” in 2006, ultimately sold for $2.4 million two months later. Precise details of their current residential properties are not public knowledge. It is known that they reside in Hawaii and Malibu, California.
Laird Hamilton’s Personal Life and Early Career
Laird Hamilton was born on March 2, 1964, in San Francisco, California. His birth took place in an experimental salt-water sphere at UCSF Medical Center, a unique circumstance indicative of his unconventional life. Before his first birthday, his father, L.G. Zerfas, left the family, prompting his mother to move to Hawaii. In Hawaii, his mother met and married William “Bill” Hamilton, a surfboard shaper and glasser, who adopted Laird.
Growing up in Hawaii, Hamilton started surfing at a young age. By 17, he was skilled enough to pursue a professional career in the sport. His reservations about the challenges of professional surfing, stemming from observing his adoptive father’s experiences, led him to balance surfing with modeling.
Hamilton left Kapaa High School at age 16 to pursue his modeling career. His discovery on the beach by a photographer from the Italian edition of Men’s Vogue led to a modeling contract. This early success provided him with financial independence and the flexibility to pursue his passion for surfing on his own terms.
In 1990, Hamilton attempted a 360-degree loop while strapped to his surfboard, a feat that was filmed for the 1990 ski film, “Groove – Requiem in the Key of Ski.” This ambitious stunt foreshadowed his future innovations in surfing and his willingness to push the boundaries of the sport.
Hamilton married surfer and clothing designer Maria Souza, with whom he has a daughter. After divorcing Souza, he married Gabrielle Reece in 1997. Reece, a professional volleyball player and fashion model, met Hamilton while hosting the show “The Extremists.” Together, they have two daughters and split their time between homes in Hawaii and Malibu, California. The couple’s social prominence has led to their association with the “Malibu Mob,” a group of celebrities residing in Malibu that included Tony Danza, John McEnroe, John Cusack, and Kelsey Grammer.
Hamilton is an environmental activist and has protested events in Hawaii that lead to water pollution. These actions reflect his commitment to protecting the environment and his dedication to preserving the natural beauty of his home state.
