Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton was discovered by a photographer for Men's Vogue Magazine while on a beach in Kauai. He was given a modeling contract and a photo shoot with Brooke Shields.

By the age of 20, Hamilton had become an accomplished big wave surfer, but he wasn't interested in competitive surfing. He later helped to develop a method using jet skis to create bigger and faster waves.

On August 17, 2000 Hamilton dropped into what is considered the largest wave ever ridden.

Since November 30, 1997, Laird Hamilton has been married to fashion model and volleyball player, Gabrielle Reece. The couple has two daughters named "Reese Viola" and "Brody Jo" Hamilton. Fast Facts:

1. Full Name: Laird John Zerfas
2. March 2, 1964
3. Left school at 16 to take up modeling
4. Born in a "bathysphere" as part of an experiement at UC Med Center in San Fransisco
5. Widely considered to be the greatest big wave surfer in history
6. Named by People Magazine in 1996 as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world