The sound it makes when it breaks… it’s terrifying.”

At 59, Lionel Conacher paddled into Mavericks—one of the most dangerous waves in the world.

He hadn’t even started surfing until his 50s.

At the age of 59 years and 8 months, Conacher became the oldest person in the world to surf Maverick's, the "Mount Everest of surfing", one of the most challenging and dangerous surf breaks in the world, located near Half Moon Bay, California. 

What makes Conacher's feat truly astonishing is the fact that he didn't start surfing until his 50s, wow! Most accomplished big wave surfers start from a very young age, honing their skills over decades of experience. For Conacher to achieve this milestone at an age when most people are contemplating retirement is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tune in for:

• Scene by scene account of what it takes to paddle into 30-40 foot waves, from an 'ordinary' surfer's point of view
• Training to survive hold-downs 20 feet under cold water 
• Finding balance with a grueling career as a Wall Street banker "plan your vacations first…"?
• Strategies on finding the perfect mentor / coach and community to fuel the journey 
• Setting audacious goals, and the dedication and joy that follows 
• Finally, my favorite, wear the 'Vulnerable Adult Learner' label with pride 

References:

Bianca Valenti - Reknowned big wave surfer and Lionel's coach who prepared him for Mavericks Link to Website

Barbarian Days by William Finnegan: This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir explores the author's lifelong passion for surfing and his experiences at various surf breaks around the world. Link to Book

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Topics: longevity, fitness over 40, endurance training, aging athletes, recovery, injury prevention