May 16, 2008
Laird Hamilton Surfs the City
Base to torch, Lady Liberty is approximately 70' taller than most of the waves surfer Laird Hamilton rides; yesterday when he paddled around her he declared, "The Statue of Liberty is pretty big. I'm glad it didn't fall on me."
Hamilton was in town to launch his new clothing line, Wonderwall, with a jaunt around the Statue of Liberty. Even though he's used to riding the biggest waves in the world, we're guessing the Hudson River was terrifying on a whole new (dirty) level.
Check out the adrenaline junkie and Eddie Vedder talk surfing and music on the Sundance Channel's Iconoclasts series.
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Is he allowed to do that?
If anyone were to jump into the harbor and start to paddle around, potentially interfering with maritime traffic, wouldn't the NYPD arrest him? Did he have to obtain some sort of special permit to do this?
"Oxygen is pretty important, I'm glad nobody is pinching my nose and mouth shut right now."
"Alligators have really sharp teeth, good thing they don't live in my bed."
"Stairs are really cool, happy that they don't flatten out and I slide into hell."
Surfing in New York.
How pathetic does that look?
You should put this picture side by side with one of Hawaiian surfing, with white sand, turquoise water and huge waves...
Of course, I've never been surfing, neither do I care to try, meaning I'm perfectly happy here in NYC.
"This could be slightly difficult if I didn't have arms and feet."
"I sure hope a 747 doesn't land here."
WTF?
No, you don't need a special permit. People kayak out into the harbor all the time. After all, it's not like road traffic where there are lanes you absolutely have to stay in. I wouldn't mind trying one of those kayaks one day when the clubs offer rides again.
Watch this film. Even if you don't surf it will change the way you think about life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqzHvcwJmQY
Those photos are just too bizarre. I wonder if the original American Indians who lived here hundreds of years ago paddled across the river like this?
You people are too amusing with your comments.
Hey Spiritof76 - The Downtown Boathouse has free kayak rentals in the summer. Your time and distance are limited, but it's a pretty fun and quick way to get out there for a bit (plus you can get right back in line and go again).
As a displaced NYer currently living in San Diego, I recently picked up surfing and its pretty amazing. Its not amazing enough where I want to move out of the city and stay in San Diego forever, but I'm going to try and find a way to surf after I move back to New York. If anyone ever has an opportunity to learn how to surf, do it. It'll change your life.
^Surf the Gowanus Canal. Kowabunggaah!