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I Trained With The World's Best Surfers

2025-08-22 Education
51.0k
1.2k
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Paul Saladino MD
Paul Saladino MD
1.1m subscribers

Big Wave Surfing Mindset Meets Underwater Training and Diet

Discover how big wave surfers manage extreme fear using focused breathing techniques derived from underwater pool workouts. Learn the specific gear adjustments—like weighted, tail-heavy tow boards—that enable navigating 50-foot waves.

Short Summary

  • Big wave training uses stressful pool simulations (CO2 tolerance, breath holds) to build mental fortitude for high-pressure moments.
  • Elite surfers prioritize presence over memory during critical rides, using fear as a tool for focus.
  • Specialized tow boards utilize heavy weighting (up to 20 lbs) and specific balance points to handle massive wave chop and speed.
  • Paul Saladino convinced Luca Padua to try a raw meat and organ supplement smoothie for extreme, sustained energy required for long sessions.

This discussion takes readers behind the scenes of big wave preparation, detailing the intense pool work designed to expose athletes to controlled, high-stress environments. These protocols build the mental tools necessary to react effectively when survival instinct kicks in on massive swells. The conversation also explores the specialized, heavy equipment required for tow-in surfing at locations like Mavericks and Nazare.

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Description

🗞️ Newsletter — Reclaim Your Optimal health: https://www.paulsaladinomd.co/sign-up?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=LucaPaduaLairdHamilton --- --- --- Find out your ideal diet with my ANIMAL-BASED CALCULATOR: https://www.paulsaladinomd.co/ab-guide#calculator?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=LucaPaduaLairdHamilton --- --- --- Got destroyed in Laird Hamilton's pool by big wave legend Luca Padua. Turns out training for 50-foot waves isn't about fitness - it's about learning who you become when you can't breathe. Plus: convinced this elite athlete to try his first raw meat smoothie --- --- --- If you can't get fresh heart & liver in your diet, try our 100% grass-fed desiccated beef organs at Heart & Soil: https://shop.heartandsoil.co/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=LucaPaduaLairdHamilton Looking for a healthy and delicious snack? This is why I created Lineage Provisions. Giving you real foods in the most convenient way. Check us out: http://lineageprovisions.com/psmdyt --- --- --- 0:00 Big Wave Surfer's Underwater Training Begins 2:34 Sauna Break 4:32 50-Foot Waves Feel Like Cartoons 5:29 Blending Raw Steak Into Smoothies 7:30 20-Pound Surfboard Defies All Logic 12:02 The Biggest Wave I Ever Surfed --- --- --- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulsaladinomd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulsaladinomd2 Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulsaladinomd Send a message to the team: [email protected] --- --- --- Lucca's channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucapadua/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCFoMDsPiRsc3e44R2qPjnBA Undewater footage: https://www.instagram.com/evanpaterakis?igsh=a3poamY1c2tnem5i --- --- --- Dr. Paul Saladino received his medical degree from the University of Arizona Medical School. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Saladino is a licensed physician in California, but he no longer practices in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Saladino and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Top Comments (10)

@EveldeenJohnson 2025-08-22

Thank you for caring about the health of people, don't stop.

26
@DreamTerrorist 2025-08-23

First time I've ever seen Paul eat raw meat besides organs.

22 2 replies
@marcusyyoung 2025-08-24

paul u need to clarify that you cant get sick eating healthy animals raw

21 2 replies
@mmarschall1535 2025-08-24

Love the surf related content! The mix of nutrition, athleticism and that glorious surf vibe makes for great videos. More please.

18
@natbarron 2025-08-23

Omg hanging out with and training with Laird?? What a privilege!! Dude is legendary!

13 1 replies
@richmarko8704 2025-08-22

Woo hoo ! Hey when I was a kid back in the 60s I used to eat raw ground beef, my mother caught me one time and she was shocked & told me not to do it again because she said I would get sick, but I did it regularly when she wasn't looking, no disrespect , ........... I liked it. I never got sick. I just hope it was grass fed. Thx for Sharing

9
@lalahaha4112 2025-08-23

No way this is the whole video right I was waiting for surfing and it just ended???

6
@Jah_Babylon 2025-08-24

i just did a few weeks on a low fat diet, cole robinson style, and literally hit rock bottom with depression, starting driking whole milk again and up the fats and the sun started to shine out my soul..

4
@Jt_VoLcOm 2025-08-22

One of the best videos out. Start sponsoring BMX riders and skateboarders! Big health nuts, that would be sick!

4
@biotechbreakout3165 2025-08-25

I'm with you on wishing a long life for Paul. He always has informative videos with much learning to be found. Not many MDs share practical information and very few are willing to go against the establishment. He's a cool guy and he surfs. But, the title King of kings is reserved for the Son, the Great Physician. And He didn't need a surfboard like the rest of us just to stay on top of the water! 🏄👣

2

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