And saving the English language!
The Ultimate Waterman (a competition in New Zealand. Read here!) is, clearly dumb, as is Laird’s hydrofoil surfboard, but I must say, as cynical as I am, it might maybe maybe look cool if he wasn’t wearing three bulletproof vests underneath his teal sweatshirt.
In any case, the Ultimate Waterman is dumb. But the best part of this whole video clip comes at minute 1:17 when Laird says, “Well you know for me when I look at the ultimate waterman…the ultimate waterman is…is…gonna be…uhhhhh humble.” And then he goes on a cackling spree. He cackles like an evil step-mother at the massive irony of using the word “humble” to describe anything he does. And, if I’m going to keep being honest, I love it!
Athletes have been using the word “humble” to describe their super humanity for so long that it has just become a part of the post-event interview process. “Ohhhhh that victory really humbled me…” “It humbles me to win the most valuable player award…” “I’m humbled by being the best…” It is said so often, and so straight faced, that the very word has lost any real meaning. But Laird Hamilton correctly realizes the satirical nature of a man such as himself using a word like “humble” in any context. And it is amazing.
Thank you Laird for being a total dick. You are doing your small part to save the English language from the likes of Russell Wilson and Roger Federer and Sally Pearson. Humble. CackleCackleCackleCackleCackleCackle.
Just read this drivel. You’re an idiot.
The word in the news media here is that Kala Alexander may not get clearance by immigration to enter the country and compete in the Dubious Waterman, thanks to his previous conviction.
Should re-name it “The Ultimate Humble-man” Kala talking about his visa issues… “I have a visa to come over as far as I know. I am now a law-abiding man, a family man, a pillar of my community.”
Is Laird tow-supping in that image? Combining surfing’s two most reviled activities is something only he could think of. Up next: hydrofoil tow-sup drop-in shoulder-hopping at teahupoo…
Give him a selfie stick and the whole package is complete.
Totally amazing. I did not even notice but you are totally right!