What Laird Hamilton has said about Tow-in surfing
3 quotes · 1 episode · Sep 29, 2026
Laird Hamilton, American big-wave surfer and popularizer of tow-in surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, has been quoted on Tow-in surfing 3 times in 1 episode of Unblinded with Sean Callagy, most recently on September 29, 2026. Each quote below is verbatim and links to the moment it was said.
In their words
Hamilton says tow-in surfing originated before jet skis, using inflatable Zodiac-style boats during a small-surf summer.
“it started before jet skis so there wasn't even jet skis”
Unblinded with Sean Callagy: Laird Hamilton: The Mindset That Changed Surfing Forever | Sean Callagy (Sep 29, 2026) · Listen from 30:31
Hamilton says tow-in surfing was disrespected for eight to ten years until his Tahiti ride earned it acceptance.
“toe in was really not respected. People were, were kind of slandering it for a good solid eight to 10 years”
Unblinded with Sean Callagy: Laird Hamilton: The Mindset That Changed Surfing Forever | Sean Callagy (Sep 29, 2026) · Listen from 33:11
Hamilton argues that turning traditionally selfish surfing into a team dynamic is what revolutionized big-wave riding.
“Normally, it's like my wave, it's me, it's... And when we change it into a team dynamic, that's what revolutionizes”
Unblinded with Sean Callagy: Laird Hamilton: The Mindset That Changed Surfing Forever | Sean Callagy (Sep 29, 2026) · Listen from 1:14:01
Episodes
Laird Hamilton: The Mindset That Changed Surfing Forever | Sean CallagyUnblinded with Sean Callagy · Sep 29, 2026 · 1 h 30 min
Sean Callagy interviews big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton before a live audience about his Hawaiian childhood, inventing tow-in surfing and foiling, fear, teamwork, and generosity.
Laird Hamilton on other topics
- Generosity · 2 quotes
- Big wave surfing · 2 quotes
- Surf safety equipment · 1 quote
- Blind surfing · 1 quote
- Drake Passage · 1 quote
- Hydrofoil surfing · 1 quote
- Brett Lickle rescue · 1 quote
- Teahupo'o · 1 quote