Chosen by People (USA) magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world [1996] Known for surfing the monster waves, having been a pioneer of using jet skis to tow surfers into huge waves. Big wave accomplishments: the "Millennium" in Teahupoo, Tahiti in 2000 and "Jaws" in Maui in 2002 Father Bill Hamilton was a surfboard shaper. Left school at 16 to take up modeling. Mother, Joan (also a surfer) gave birth to him in a "bathysphere" as part of an experiement at UC Med Center in San Fransisco. Father is 60s surf legend, Bill Hamilton. Revolutionizing surfing with a sport he calls Foilboarding. A surfboard with foot straps has a hydrofoil attached underneath so that at speed the board rises out of the water making it much more maneuverable. Is widely considered to be the greatest big wave surfer in history. Met his wife when she interviewed him about big wave surfing as a host for the tv series, The Extremists. Has one daughter with Reece (as of 2005). Had a daughter, Izabella, with Maria in 1995.
|