Laird Hamilton, Big Wave Surfer

OKAAAYYYY, So the only way he knows he is alive is to face death? nice guy, great athlete, lots of skill and why should he be an example on a major network news program? You want my kids to follow his way? imo, this is dangerous hero worship by 60 Minutes and not enough said about why this may not be a good idea with impressionable children and teens watching. Too much of Lesley Stahl looking doe-eyed and awe-inspired vs. behaving like a serious journalist and asking if this is the role model one should follow?!? Am I watching the network of Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, Mike Wallace, Ed Bradley and other serious news folk or Entertainment Tonight? Scary...

I surf and to me this guy is one of the biggest inspirations to all surfers out there. Good guy and a great surfer, if only every day people were as had the focus on their lifes as this guy has about surfing this world would be a different place.

this guy above me is confused, kids should have some one liek this to look up to, take base ball for instance, every one says thats something to look up to, but what about steriod use. How about foot ball, actually a rather violent sport that you are almost gaurenteed to be injured in eventually and theres alot of steriod use there as well. He is a roll model for kids, look at his attitude, his determination, and passion. Most kids do look at it in awe but when they do eventually try to surf and are lucky to ever see a 10 foot wave that chages their whole outlook on a big wave, 10 feet is scary enough for some and too scary for most. Usually after surfing for not even that long you learn that big wave surfing is for the serious thrill seeker and not for your average kid or adult.

Laird hamilton should be an inspiration to everyone, not just surfers or even athletes. He has the drive and determination to pursue his passions and he has changed the face of surfing as a result. This should not be looked at as a specific thing someone wants to do, but as a way of showing people that there are always alternatives in life. You can always go out and try to do something different and if you give it your all, then you can be successful. People that take a story like this at face value don't have the imagination or ability to be more than a working class drone in our society.

Laird Hamilton presents as a beautiful person on the outside with the talent/ability/fearlessness/and resources to be creative in his sport and clearly the interview focuses on those abilities. I am a father, educator, and surfer in that order. I am a role model because of my sound character, integrity and living a just life day to day. Hamilton lives his life according to his beliefs and tenets. Hamilton was and still is a model, a high school dropout, and by written accounts, left his first wife and daughter. This piece by 60 minutes was interesting and entertaining. I don't think for one second this story was aired because of its inspirational, role model or motivating qualities, nor do I believe this would have an effect on impressionable children or adults. This piece was done because Hamilton is currently in vogue. Let's face it, Hamilton rode "The Wave" a full 7 years ago. Hardly a timely piece for CBS News! I wouldn't argue that Hamilton is motivated and dedicated to maintaining physical fitness and beauty, and certainly he has been recognized for that as evidenced by his modeling and film careers. His career has risen dramatically after meeting his current wife and it's clear he is enjoying his success. I would agree that Hamilton has probably made the most of what he is...a model and surfer. I will continue to educate my children that only through hard work, dedication, devotion, commitment, and desire can one excel in anything. That not only goes for my children but for the thousands of parents who have entrusted me to educate their children. So excel in surfing, excel in grammar, excel in math, excel in your faith and excel in LIFE. P.S. I am on vacation right now in the outerbanks and am grabbing my board to enjoy the sounds of the wave and nature. Hopefully I don't get run over by a waverunner! OBXSURF

Naw, this guy shouldn't be a "role model" for kids? Who would you prefer? Some fat suburban couch-potato? What else ya got? A baggy-pants tattooed rap gangsta? A drunk-driver hyper-rich talent-less actress? How about some sleazebag politician? This guy has guts, and determination, and isn't cowering on the beach afraid to take any risks. He wanted something...he went and GOT it. That shares success with such as the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, George Washington, Rocky Marciano....Who do you want your kids to emulate? George W. Chickenhawk?

Hero, Mentor, Whoa! That is faith!

People who challenge themselves in extreme activities are the stuff of legends. Their motivation is really none of my business. I'm just glad they find it somewhere inside themselves and are living the life they love. As for the tow-in controversy: Hawaiian kings and queens were getting towed in by fast canoes hundreds of years ago. Out of respect for their precedent-setting feats of surfing ingenuity, I think we might let this controvery rest.

I think people seem to forget that, although Larid Hamilton is a superior athlete and all around waterman, he is still just a man. Imperfections just like you and me. But the way he simply deals with his fame and fortune is something to take a close look at. He is a father, husband, and a damn great surfer. When it comes down to it, most people on this planet leave it worse than how was before them. Laird on the other hand, is interested in bettering the earth, finding new possibilities for his sport, and enjoying life with friends. And it’s not like he is doing this for show. He’s not faking it for the glory of the sport. I’m sure the guy can give a rat’s ass what we think of him. If cameras stopped shooting him today, he’d still be doing the same thing tomorrow. Take the best of him, apply it to your life, and make yourself better. Or turn the damn channel. That’s what free choice is about.

Laird is a god! Those who can, do. Those that won't, sit on their lazy butts & whine about how dangerous & stupid it is to try to live your dream.