How Psychedelics Saved My Life (‘Resurfacing’ BTS Vlog)

Pro surfer Koa Smith travels from the big swells of the North Shore of Oahu (Hawaii), to Venice Beach (California) for the premiere his new surf documentary film ‘Resurfacing’ presented by ‪@MUDWTR‬. Koa’s goes to his favorite place to eat - Erewhon, surfs a surprisingly long left hander beach break barrel and has an interesting Ted talk style conversation with a psychedelic specialist from MAPS to figure out how psychedelics helped him heal his concussion, depression and brain injury.
Watch RESURFACING FULL FILM here: • Resurfacing: Koa Smith
Filmed and edited by Michael Veltman
Instagram - / shmikesss​​
Follow Koa's journey!
Instagram - / koasmith
DISCLAIMER
This film is meant to entertain and inform-not provide medical advice.
You should always consult your doctor when it comes to your personal health, or before you start any treatment.
Music:
Travel To Centaurus - Nihoni
Ogonblick - Jones Meadow
Corner Store - Gregory David
Creatio Ex Nihilo - Ave Air
By The Harbor - Mhern
Temple of Runha - ELFL
Hiber Nation - Dew Of Light
Kid on the Move - El Flaco Collective
Entrance - Jones Meadow
We Will Never Die (Instrumental Version) - Par Hagstrom
Conundrums (Instrumental Version) - Pandaraps
Tell Me a Story - In Dawn
Earth Forever - Cumulus Creek

[@Optable]

Saved the lives of half of my family and friends as well. They’re truly incredible. Take the ticket and enjoy the ride. Anything that comes to be you are an observer not a captain of the train. There is no fight

[@goodygoods6009]

“Take the ticket enjoy the ride” hunter s Thompson

[@Optable]

@@goodygoods6009 Which was a line by Neal Cassady!

[@brannoxaf]

Fycking dope bro that’s truth they’ve helped me see through when being stuck in drepresso more fiya to yahh looking forward to checking you again boetie aweeeeeeehhh

[@tourdel2]

got any advice for a first timer? ive had the shrooms on me for awhile now but have been a little scared to take them due to fear of having a bad trip or panic attack. i struggle with a lot of anxiety so im worried its gonna affect me during the trip. also wanted to mention that i get hella anxious/paranoid when i smoke weed now ever since i had a panic attack one time when i greened out awhile back

[@Optable]

@@tourdel2 yeah man, feel free to message me as well. Your first time will be incredible. I had very similar feelings when it began, just accept that they’re there. There’s a very high chance that you’re going to be so blown away and excited by the whole thing that you’ll have this feeling that nothing could get in the way. For first trips, I’d say the majority of people I know all have those thoughts, some are just better at hiding it. The experience will be profound to the point that some things like that may come up or they may not, but you will come out better off knowing that you can view your experience as a tool to tackle some real things in front of you. It is a very real feeling you’ll have that you can either waste time with negative energy in your life, or you can provide positive energy even if you’re life isn’t so positive on the inside. That’s all fine. In general, shrooms do have cycles or waves throughout. (At a moderate to regular dose, not heavy) Instead of 8 hours of intense feelings, you will go into an almost sober mindset and then down the rabbit hole, then back to a more normal baseline. Very unlike acid, where it can be full throttle for a long period non stop. You’ll also have a wide eyed grin on your face the entire time, like it’s not possible to remove your smile. Serious things will also become hilarious, as if you’ll realize we place way too much emphasis on things that aren’t exactly as serious as they should be. The body load will be intense, I love it but it may feel like a lot on your stomach. The biggest advice I’d give is to focus on your breath. You’re not going to get what I mean until you are dosed and have this feeling in your chest like you want to break out. Just focus on breathing in all the air around you. Don’t force absolutely anything to be besides the feeling of activity or wanting to do something. Give up any idea of control, cause you won’t have any. Explore and have fun, it will be an incredible time. It’s ok to have the thoughts you have, and you may just find the way to see why you’re having them.

[@slkslk15]

Thanks for sharing Koa, psychedelics changed my life in such a profound way (alongside meditation), during the hardest moments in my life. The experiences I have shared with my friends has shaped who I and they have become… in such a positive way. The future of mental health will benefit greatly from videos like this. Big love

[@wilcoberkel3170]

Psilocibine was for me a lifesaver too. Broke my back surfing and had the same experiences. Thanks for the inspiration. Love and light.

[@josiahlauer1094]

I’ve been dealing with concussion recovery for the past 6 months. Just recently I made the decision to try mushrooms and then this video popped up on my feed. You made me cry this morning. Thank you for talking about this and sharing your experience ❤️

[@albertocarenini4038]

You got this bro !

[@TheBushRanger.]

I’m in the same boat 4 months out. Suicidal thoughts every day

[@alohamikey1423]

@@TheBushRanger. you can get through it braddah! Life is beautiful! If things like this can open your mind..I say go for it as well. Everything is always worth a shot since you only get one shot at life. Aloha 🤙🏽

[@TheBushRanger.]

@@alohamikey1423 cheers man have you been through the same thing?

[@alohamikey1423]

@@TheBushRanger. I’ve had the same “thoughts” before. But I’ve learned how to cope with it and see the other side of things. I had to honestly find myself. And that was the hardest to do. You think you know yourself well till you notice that it’s you that always wants to give up. I learned I’ll never “win” with that mentality . Be the one to stop the negativity. Pick yourself up before you put yourself down. Be strong in the mind braddah. Not gonna lie. Mushrooms opened that for me. And I never turned back.

[@garybaxter7297]

Koa the fungus threw you the RESCUE LINE to keep you connected to your true roots.... you're doing it right don't stop brother.

[@cudavrage]

You and your brothers are always some of the nicest people on the North Shore in and out the water. Stoked for you see you in the water💙💙💙

[@jackiepants3777]

thank you for your authenticity and vulnerability Koa 🙏

[@jackmitchellofficial]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I can imagine it would be pretty scary putting content like this out there but having an influencer like you bring awareness to psychedelics is a huge win, thank you koa:)

[@thomasrandle2902]

Right on Koa , I just like you, grew up in nature on Maui in Hawaii, surfing , eating mushrooms right out of the cow 🐄 💩 dung Lol , I have been side tracked in many directions over the years and I have 20 years on you as well , however I find myself far from home with people that don't share my views on the Universe, or my place in it . I am in desperate need to,reset, to reground myself and find homeostasis, equilibrium, and balance with the natural world. Its time to reset . Thank you for the reminder of what is needed . I hope your journey is long , and your wisdom grows .Aloha and Mahalo nui loa .

[@anastrawberry8047]

I wish you a good journey back to yourself. 🙏💖

[@toyamaisbest.6219]

I mean Koa literally has one of the most beautiful wave videos of all time in South Africa with the 2:30 minute barrel lol

[@felixvonessen7466]

That breahting exercise was also great! Lol about the middlefingerpicture moment 😂😂😂

[@brandonDuh47]

I've heard so many people saying that magic mushroom helped them get through addiction and depression, don't know how true it is, but I'm still trying to find a reliable place to buy spores or purchase the actual mushrooms, I've got depression and terrible anxiety

[@trevornelson61]

Wanna try, but keep being told I can’t do it alone for the first time but I’d literally be so much more comfortable alone

[@lopeztwinjason]

when i tried shrooms i ate way more than i should of because i thought they wouldn’t work and then my face got numb and i threw up shrooms and my friend was laughing but trying to comfort me and the bathroom lights were flickering cuz they were old and i had to go home

[@userconspiracynut]

[hilary_chase1] Got psych's

[@ugmiles.]

@@userconspiracynut is he on IG?

[@user-nancyy]

I literally don’t know why but shrooms make me giggle so much like I be cheesin for no goddamn reason

[@rawspace1212]

Respect Koa. Thank you for being real for the people. We need to see life in the raw. We are sick to think life should be perfect. Thank you

[@maliakellerman5336]

Tears! Wow, thank you for sharing your experience Koa. Soooo incredibly important. Psilocybin has played a role in my healing journey as well & it feels so good to hear other peoples stories. All the love and aloha to you ❤️

[@Surferdadsocal]

First like!! Yoohooo. Can’t wait to hear your story man. Stoked for you.

[@higherfootage]

Psychedelics have saved millions of lives, its a shame the forces that be try to keep it down.

[@kt-tu6jl]

Full of shit

[@spazmops1210]

source?

[@wmanadeau7860]

Right on. "In stillness all things can be known." - Steps to Knowledge

[@hman7236]

Clarity is golden no matter what gets you there.

[@Sam-od5jq]

Ive had derelazation for about a year now and ive felt alot of those emotions, but im getting better and I hope that everyone that suffers from these Kinda of emotions heals and becomes their best selfs

[@amrikwheeler5018]

I fought the same thing for almost a year You can beat it I promise

[@Sam-od5jq]

@@amrikwheeler5018 Ye you just gotta keep moving forward.

[@dutchstreetpreacher]

I’ve had this as well after a badtrip on acid. When, months later, Jesus Christ came into my life, this junk left me. This is for everyone. God can change you!

[@erik7747]

Love you Koa! Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward 2 seeing your film!

[@geordiemcalister1552]

So much love brother ❤️🤜 they have helped me also, will be a good day when these medicines become more accepted and researched in the mainstream

[@denmun9722]

Appreciate this story so much... Even more so given you have sponsors on the line. Respect.

[@rebeccagrace1509]

🌊💪🏾💖💪🏾🌊#Brave.Hearts.UNITE🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@ronsonquinto8698]

Well this is interesting timing, I broke my neck a couple years ago surfing and the healing went well initially, however over the last year I've experienced panic striken fear and anxiety for no apparent reason, I've been surfing alot more and it's been helping considerably, I know I'm limited to word content so let me end with saying thank you, nice wave at pipe by the way 🤙

[@jjphank]

Turn to Jesus of the Bible he’s the ultimate power and authority and healer and judge! Better get Judged right now to see if you’re able to go into heaven, everything is in the book of John in the Bible about that!

[@johnbrianlopez7777]

Haven't watched all this yet but I had a bad accident and crushed my spine in two spots and was licking poison spinal fluid that ended up in my lungs and within 48 hrs it's reached my heart and brain and I would have passed on,,, so had a t5 to t1o spinal fusion and I begged the Lord is take me in ICU for three days all day all night my poor mother "mamadukes" she was there the whole time we talked about if I don't make it that I lived 4lifetimes and I truly appreciate my life. But still not totally back in shape and been two years and just now got the ok to slowly get back to whatever but gotta build up my strength everywhere in my body so weak. Can't wait. Hey if you'd like to know more it'd definitely help Maybe you and I can pitch something that has us going around getting war storyys and explain the situation or reinact it and show the brutal nature of going through something so tramatic

[@ronsonquinto8698]

@@johnbrianlopez7777 that sounds good, where do you reside?

[@johnbrianlopez7777]

Tampa

[@SurfFender]

Thank you for taking the risk to speak about this in public. Watching your Skeleton Bay videos help me a lot; and your cheerful honesty in your other videos too. Hope you make it on the CT, but even if you don't - your honesty captured and shared in videos makes me a fan.

[@harperbrandon8473]

i've never tripped on any psychedelic.. scared because i've heard pretty bad experience about it..but with your story , and how it has helped you, i want to give a try.. But where can i get who sells and deliver psyched products ??

[@patriciawalker851]

Mirodosing pills has helped me get through depression..

[@richardwalker8575]

Not so hard..just find someone \a plug/ close to you

[@harperbrandon8473]

@@patriciawalker851 how long have you used it?

[@harperbrandon8473]

@@richardwalker8575 i cant find any

[@richardwalker8575]

@@harperbrandon8473 ok reach out to

[@Sol_Weird]

So Amazing to hear this story. Thank you Koa for being willing to speak out loud about something that the world might now want to always hear, but absolutely NEEDS to hear. Was already a fan and finding out you have such a strong connection to mushrooms really cements it, fan for life. Congrats!

[@keithallison3756]

I believe psilocybin's opened my mind during my younger years I went through concussions from playing hockey. I have battled serious depression and self-deprivation for years now. I need to open my mind again I believe and you were making me feel that that might be my path. Thank you Koa braddah

[@Faithneal101]

you guys are so cool and inspiring. super brave Koa to share your story and be that vulnerable. I hope you know how many people you will/have impacted. thank you , you guys really helped me stay positive in a dark time when my mom was dealing with a hard stage in her breast cancer journey. thank you for supporting and raising awareness of mental health and healthy lifestyle. you guys are awesome!

[@jackmedford8369]

Iv been dealing with depression for all my life and have recently had to start dealing with some trauma from my childhood, it’s been a long and bumpy road and I have wanted to give up many times. Iv started seeing a therapist and have been taking natural supplements which have helped immensely. But I still want to feel better and I am looking forward to exploring the world of psychedelics. Thank you so much for sharing your story Koa, this gives me new hope. If anyone has any suggestions on how I should get started I would greatly appreciate it.

[@itskoasmith]

Have you tried any Joe Dispenza guided meditations?? They are soooo powerful. Some of his talks are mind blowing as well! Could be a good tool for you 🙇🏼‍♂️🙇🏼‍♂️❤️‍🔥

[@M-pang]

Thank you for sharing this Koa!!! A true legend, you are

[@nachobusiness3922]

They have changed my mind my life the relationship with my mom,dad, daughter and my beautiful wife. I love you Michele.

[@alexwoolford_surf]

nice big cali barrels haha, nah, really good vid koa, it really inspired me and certainly many others, thank you for such a great video!

[@toyamaisbest.6219]

Are you kidding me with the waves these guys get I’m sure they get some wild trips too lol

[@jasonpacific5661]

ABSOLUTELY amazing incredible Vlog... thank you Koa 💓🌻🌞 🌸 🌅

[@michellesteward8820]

Great context

[@loveloves2770]

This is inspiring. Thx for your perspective. I've not been for or against it...more so afraid of it. Eye-opening for sure

[@DavidVanZylUTube]

One of the most inspiring videos I've watched. Thank you Koa!

[@FrankBott]

Beautiful. Thanks for having the courage to share. May your journey help others..

[@Therealeliberengut]

HAHAH "Kinda like that one skeleton bay barrel" hmmmm that was the nicest "el porto" wave ive seen ;) Sweet vid Koa

[@harli-in-bloom]

Beautiful video Koa. Keep rocking the positive vibes bro.

[@rolandogieva9524]

Try my plug

[@rolandogieva9524]

MyCohenRy 33

[@rolandogieva9524]

He’s on Instagram

[@rolandogieva9524]

He sells

[@andybowes5163]

Aloha and Mahalos for sharing this Koa! The journey in life is what brings us together and makes us comfortable in our own skin. Occasionally getting out of our skin and opening our minds to new possibilities tempers our spirit with strength. Thanks for another Skelton Bay Rick-Roll.... laughter is excellent medecine!!

[@upsidedahead]

That first wave was like a Donkey Bay DRAINER!!!

[@austinrandall3019]

Dropping a skeleton bay clip in your porto vlog 😭 Hell ya bro

[@grahamjarman]

dang, never knew koa was depressed. helluva surfer. glad ur alive mate

[@arthurtapia7465]

Best video yet brotha, this film is going to help heal a lot of people 🤙🏽

[@belindaclark1454]

Always liked your stuff..you have surfed through our hole in wall. You have surfed through the hole in other peoples wall.. Thanks for your honesty… And yes…perhaps a way out of the hole. True story

[@williamdorito1360]

wooow, amazing. i’ve always wanted to try psychedelics to learn more of myself and life. thanks for educating me more and giving that little push i need. incredible story

[@shaynekimball353]

I suffered a TBI when I accidentally stood up to fast under a large solar array, and hit my head on a piece of steel. It was snowing that day, so I had my hoody tight around my head. My peripheral vision was off, because of the hoody. The crazy thing was i was actually hanging my 7 acres of industrial hemp underneath this array. I had a bumper crop that year for the CBD market. I was probably in some of the best shape of my life and had just recently got married to my soul mate. Then my world came crashing down...I can sincerely tell you that taking magic mushrooms is about the only thing that gets rid of my brain fog. I usually just micro dose, because I have a family and I rarely get a chance to just go out with my old college buddies, so to say. However, I hope some time soon I will be able to take a decent sized does to see if it can really reset me. My TBI has to be the scariest and hardest road block that I've every experienced in my life. Thank you for making this documentary, more people need to know that this works. I guess I feel very lucky that I live in Oregon where Magic Mushrooms are actually legal. Unfortunately, I'm moving to Bermuda where they are not. Guess I'll have to take my bigger trip here soon. Keep sharing your story it will eventually get to all the people who need to hear it. Blessings!

[@above.clothing]

I love you, thank you for opening my mind and many others. I am so inspired by your way of living and I had no idea any of this happened, you are so personable and true to life. Thanks for leading me down my path and inspiring me to the max

[@iankepner1114]

Saved my life! Changed my thought patterns into something beautify creative!

[@bretthardin9239]

saved my life and brought my son out his funk after his brain injury. glad it helped you too

[@parsvishal]

Good to see Koa back.. I didn’t see you after your trip to Senegal

[@MensGroup]

I had a TBI and therapists also told me to go on anti-depressants as well. Thanks for sharing Koa. VERY helpful!

[@TheBushRanger.]

How are going now man?

[@thetawater]

Amazing Koa!! Thanks so much for sharing this

[@felixvonessen7466]

Seriously?! You go from hawaii to cali and score like an empthy skeletonbay style wave?!?!!! Maybe not, but the clip remindet me on your skeletonbay video! Best behind the szenes!!! Congrats for your yourney, thanks for representing real rolemodels! Your on it!

[@Mo-wt4ks]

Good video, but I did not realiste that the skeleton bay was in California. Awesome tube from different location....

[@HoStevie]

*no better place to trip* 😅

[@jaazpottinger6341]

G ood to see u again bro I remember seeing u featured in documentary and your light struck me different I thought this dude is hilarious

[@jerryrigmanhattan6]

So Beautiful and amazing! Thank you Koa for this Video.......

[@SharonDayLifeArchivist]

God bless you. It takes a compassionate person to help others who suffer to show an organic way to the light of life. I wish we had healing centers with a monitored option to get an acute and accurate view of life like the DMT experience,.i admit I've never used it but I suspect if we all experienced this view into higher existence, we would experience nirvana.

[@tzt1182]

That was an awesome Skeleton Bay barrel.

[@whoismds6002]

mate so good to see you resurfaced! much love

[@adamlatorre7706]

Stoked it worked for you as well koa!! Let’s shred it up soon!!

[@damianwood99]

Wow great video just watched the video on MUD/WATER, you must be proud of yourself bro, to also have surf the WSL as well this year👌🏻Moved

[@josephwiard6695]

Did the complete opposite to me and developed HPPD from it but good for you.

[@cornishseas6514]

Wrote and deleted a whole load of shit but i'll settle with......Koa, you're a frickin' legend for this mate....seriously.

[@fukfaceextraordinario9779]

Even sunrise shack and bonsai bowls probably the best deals on the Island are redickulous priced and things only go up

[@braddahb8916]

Mahalo nui ! Awesome 👏🏾

[@ABTjewl]

Thank you for sharing ✨

[@klever711]

Pretty amazing brother. 🤙Big ups on sharing your journey and for helping rid the stigma that this therapy has the potential for. 👏

[@blakejohnson1111]

Great video man mushrooms are amazing and are something I believe everyone should try atleast once it brings us all closer to nature, to each other, and to ourselves!!! Great video love your stuff dude! 🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@alikajohnson9250]

Heavy vibes off the bat! Glad you're ok🤙🏽

[@coolsips7564]

Unreal brother! You’re a legend!

[@FromTheMosh]

Thanks for spreading awareness of Psilocybin. It could be the very thing that saves the planet. Can you imagine if we all connected on the same level 🙂

[@EduardToews]

Thanks for sharing your story! ❤️☀️

[@matthewmc4363]

Your the man. I’m m glad you made it out a better man.

[@logandaniel3742]

mud wtr looks like an incredible and conscious company!

[@Bb-yomomfugazzi]

Koa, YOU LEGEND....

[@rothsch2000]

that is super amazing and I'm going to watch it. got me interested

[@konarain]

I opened a store on Kaheka street near Ala Moana in 1978 trying to duplicate Erewhon, (the original little store) founded by Micho Kushi along the microbiotics idea Aloha Dude, great vid 🤙🏼

[@JesseDoesHVAC]

You have to be completely open to the experience without expectation. The mushroom teaches if you listen.

[@linsil164]

Good one.

[@kennethlitle1272]

you so inspiring an funny at the same time bro i love u content

[@calurk]

love this - peace from cape town

[@jakejohnowen]

Great clip Koa!

[@adamherzing7330]

Psychedelics saved my life too. Thanks for sharing man.

[@greenwave2450]

straight up churchin'

[@mikem4333]

Good stuff

[@marilynluna1220]

Koa please do a video on all the foods you eat for better brain health and the foods you stay away from.

[@Anastassia507]

amazing

[@adamlatorre7706]

Mushrooms definitely opened up doors for me to realize which path to be on just to enjoy more little things and to be more centered and connected 🌍 🍄 🙌🏼🤙🏽

[@caitlinmaguire5940]

Dude where was that tube?

[@henrywimmer2610]

can't wait to watch this

[@mstott22lax]

Rad would have loved to have been there!

[@timkeane2907]

Epic trick, I was like wtaf is that wave?

[@matthoffman7228]

WOW that was one of the gnarliest shit pipe waves I've ever seen!!! 😂

[@psyalphazeta]

I couldn't believe it either...

[@Strawman333]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Ghostrob2023]

Hey Koa, dude, that sucks with what happened to you, but good that you balanced yourself to get towards what you love to do, surfing and nature, family and friends. God Bless you, bro! But did this incident happen before or after the Kelly Slater Surfing Competition that was on TV?

[@raihanhyder5309]

Thanks KOA you the man