EPISODE · May 2, 2024 · 1H 33M
He Started Surfing in His 50s — At 59, He Took On Mavericks | Lionel Conacher, 62
from Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life · host Kush Khandelwal
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 viewTraining 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 WebsiteBarbarian 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🎥 Longevity insights + behind-the-scenes.Ageless Athlete on Substack - 1-2x / month. No spam.🎥 Want the full experience?YouTube — full-length video. free.📍More clips + behind-the-scenes Ageless Athlete on Instagram - follow along. 🚀 Love the show? Here’s how to support it If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathleteTopics: longevity, fitness over 40, endurance training, aging athletes, recovery, injury prevention
What this episode covers
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 fa...
NOW PLAYING
He Started Surfing in His 50s — At 59, He Took On Mavericks | Lionel Conacher, 62
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m