Randy Laine (born Elliott Randolph Laine on July 17, 1952 in North Carolina) is an American big-wave surfer, co-pioneer of tow-in surfing, extreme watersports athlete, celebrity-enthusiast, television personality, commercial product endorser and spokesman, and on occasion a men's fashion and action-sports model.
In October 2008, Laine will be inducted into the IJSBA's (International Jet Sports Boating Association) Hall of Fame, where he will be honored for inventing many of the extreme aerial maneuvers used in freestyle jet ski competition today.
[2] Laine, who is nicknamed "The Father of Freeride" [3] is sponsored by Red Bull, Billabong, Jet Pilot, Pro Tec, Skat Trak, and Hydro Turf,[4] and has appeared in and on the cover's of over two dozen magazines, including a 1970's spread in Playgirl Magazine.
Beginning in 2002, Laine joined the Billabong Odyssey as marine coordinator,[6] and has been searching for an unprecedented 100-foot-tall (30 m) wave to ride in an effort to set a record for tow-in surfing.
He splits his time between San Diego, Baja California, Mexico, and the Northshore of Oahu, Hawaii.