Customer Reviews

Laird (White Knuckle Extreme)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having been a surfer all my life and having surfed the North Shore of O'ahu, I've known about Laird Hamilton for the last 15 years. He's been doing "Tow-in" surfing for close to 10 years now. I come from a family of surfers and they freak out every time they see this DVD.

This is the ULTIMATE surfing video, as well as one of the top 20 Extreme Sports video. What Laird and his colleagues are doing are beyond INSANE! These are the biggest waves ever surfed in history. These waves are HUGE!! The waves that I surfed on the North Shore are Lake Tahoe shorebreak compared to what Laird is surfing in this video, and he totally tears these waves apart! He'll catch major air riding down the face of the wave, getting completely barreled and pull out of it, and exiting the wave, he'll fly out about 10-15 feet flipping in the air. It's totally insane. He and his colleagues are doing things and experiencing what NO ONE else in the world are doing, not Bill Gates, not the President, not Michael Jordan, not Shaq O'Neal, not Lennox Lewis, not ANYONE.

One of the surfers in the DVD hails Laird as the "Best Surfer in the World". That's all relative. Maybe he doesn't have the small wave and competitive skills of a Kelly Slater or a Tom Curren, but when it comes to tow-in surfing in Hawaii or Tahiti, then yes, he is the best surfer in the world. He is definitely the best at what he does and is the ultimate ocean athlete.

People have absolutely no idea how treacherous these waves are. They are HORRENDOUS! They can hold you under water for more than 1-2 minutes if you wipe out on one of them. People die on waves an eighth of this size. Laird is the ULTIMATE water athlete! He defines HUGE! He defines psychotic!

Really enjoyed this vid. There is some really insane footage from Jaws. Definitely got to see some of what Laird is really capable of. Was also nice to get some more history and information about Jaws itself. They do kind of go a bit overboard in talking up Laird like he's superman. No question the guy is a killer surfer doing some amazing things, but he doesn't need to be worshiped. I'd grab this one up if for nothing other than the footage of Laird's wave in Tahiti.

Whether you surf or not, you cannot help but to be awed by the surfing skills of Laird Hamilton. I recently popped this DVD into the player when a family cookout got rained out; initially there were cries of dissent, but after the first 20 minutes or so, the room was met with a hushed awe. Everyone there (and of all ages) enjoyed the film immensely; it's a real keeper and guaranteed to please.

I've been surfing since 1961. I've seen the Best Out there. And Fortunately for me, some of these Surfers I have made special Fins for.
Mavs bunch, North Shore. But after a friend went to Hawaii and watched first hand Laird ripping upside down 360's in the Tube.
I was awestruck at his stories. The man is a surf muscle as we called Jeff Hakman in the 70's. The waves in this movie are the
star. And Laird the Director. Tea'hupoo blew my mind as did
Craig Camfield's at Inland Surf who lent me the movie. Can you
imagine getting a wave lip as thick as a Chevy Suburban Dump
on you? Laird deserves All the accolades. Figgy

I gave this DVD to a friend who's 4 teenage Boston boys have just started surfing (world class downhill skiers, all). Blew the 4 of them, their dad and MOM out to the edge of their seats.

I love watching this DVD on airplanes, its the best crowd pleaser you'll ever get, everyone wants to watch it. Great photography, colors, waves and story. Nice work Laird!

I give the surfing video at least 4 if not 5 stars. The waves are truly impressive. But the movie is short . . . 37 minutes. $17 for a very short film does not strike me as a good value. Honestly, "Ride the Wild Surf," free on Cable, has the same level of Laird adoration and great footage of Jaws and doesn't cost a dime.

Anyone who wants to be blown away must buy this movie! It's mesmerizing! I live on maui and get to see when jaws goes off and I still can't believe people drop in on these waves. After watching different guys surf jaws, Laird and his crew are in a league of their own. Most guys just try to survive jaws and Laird is surfing it like a 5 foot wave! I think what sets him apart from the others is his style. I see a lot of guys with jerky, stiff form, just trying to hang on. But Laird is just so smooth and fluid like. Nothing is done unintentionally. Just watch how graceful his arms are! And he does this all on some HUGE beautiful waves. It doesn't matter what size board or waves you ride, surfers will get a lesson in form by watching this film. Plus the soundtrack is mean!

This isn't the best surf movie ever...but it is mighty, mighty. For anyone who has surfed for awhile, this movie will put a lump in your throat. You'll realize who rules big wave surfing after watching this. There is no doubt Laird would die if he ate it on some of these! The man is a machine. Bow your head if you see him.

I've seen this film three times and can't get it out of my mind. I do not surf. My Husband grew up surfing in Santa Cruz. He's the reason we watched this film. Boy, am I grateful. A film has never moved me this much before. The silken images as Laird Hamilton glides through the water, along with the soundtrack, bring this film to a level of awe, wonder, and beauty. Less we remember that a person could die while creating this splendor. His actions are terrifying, yet, appear serene and tranquil. I told my husband that I was in love with Laird Hamilton, not in love with the person, but in love with his essence and what he represents. He is a symbol of risk, challenge, and the chance of death all while displaying peace, grace and respect. It's mystical. Thanks for the trip!

The opening sequences of Laird hotdogging Jaws on Maui are great. After impossibly long drops, with the wave towering above him, he snaps up into huge pockets for an incredible locked in ride - just awe inspiring.

The wave at Tahiti's Teahupoo is somethng else. Not as high as Jaws but so thick it's basically a shelf of water. The movie really captures the almost incomprehensible mass of water in this wave. Laird's dad, Billy Hamilton (a great surfer from my era), says on the film that Laird probably would have been killed by being driven into the reef if he'd wiped out. I believe him.