Stepping Beyond: Mark Healey

This video was produced in partnership with lululemon men.
Big-wave surfer and overall waterman Mark Healey is well accustomed to facing critical situations where life and death may hang in the balance. In 2006, his tow board caught an edge while whipping across the face of a wind-blown west bowl at massive Teahupo'o, handing him the wipeout of a lifetime as the whole Pacific ocean enveloped him. Afterwards, Healey was quoted as saying, "he was thankful to just be alive." Since then he's broken ribs, fractured a kneecap at Pipeline and ruptured an eardrum at both Pe'ahi and Dungeons in South Africa.
While most people would try to find a different hobby after sustaining the type of injuries outlined above, Healey considers each setback as a training exercise. "As I've gotten older my appreciation for uncomfortable situations and the ocean has definitely grown," says Healey in the edit above. "I don't think there's actually growth without some discomfort. If you try to avoid it, you don't really grow as a human. I would have to say my practice is a practice of confronting discomfort. It's just as much in the training as it is in the act of doing these things out in the ocean."
Healey relies on his practice of hypoxic breath training to get him through any trials he may face in the water. "With breath-holding, there's not a human on planet earth, including world record holders that aren't going to have to battle within 5 minutes," says Healey. "Most people are going to have to have that battle within 30-seconds. It's one of those alarms that's meant to keep you alive, but in certain situations, it's a real hindrance. This incredible anxiety just grips you. You have to dig into that feeling and regain control of your mind; instead of your body telling your mind what to do, you have to keep your mind telling your body what to do." Press play on the edit above to see how Healey deals with discomfort, both above and below the water's surface in this latest short "Stepping Beyond."
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[@DeathCookieEnt]

I try to use these exact philosophies to get me through cancer treatments.

[@scotthull2141]

my brother was on the highschool waterpolo team and taught me their breath hold techniques. it's a fun aquatic workout and has been training i never expected i would need being rolled up by big waves 🌊💙🤙🏼 yewww!

[@PaulCarterArt]

Well done surfer and video team. The power of the mind is real and the breathing exercises will take oneself to the level when learned properly. Mark your an inspiring human 👍🏼🗝🙏🏽

[@migueldiaz1639]

Thank you

[@marialedeviaje]

Amazing and really inspired by this. Thank you 💕🌊

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

Mark Healey, surfer and underwear model. haha That aside he is a great spearo from what I've seen. Being a big wave surfer and a freediver is a perfect combo. He's a rad roll model for both sports.

[@cudavrage]

I feel a wave of the winter coming...Mark's year!

[@MeDicenFerni]

Amazing!

[@rorysurf]

so inspiring

[@Trixter808]

Yea Mark Awesome Vid

[@zackmeers3567]

Mark is very good at explaining how he is able to do what he does...Go Mark!!

[@strikemissions]

Thank you!

[@syler219]

he's on that rickson gracie breathing routine SAMURAI waterman

[@TeRauna77]

That is some very wish words.. 👌🤙

[@MarkAmbalong]

He's the reason why I got into freediving ✋👊

[@oliverlevine6194]

"I don't think there is any way for a human to feel more alone." A note you you, Mark Healey: watch the movie "The Alpinist" featuring Marc Andre. there are some valuable lessons in there.

[@gustavofirmino7163]

Sou Fã desse cara

[@fsbair1315]

discipline

[@procaliadventures]

excellent 3 minutes. and that dude is in controll. BS Y FP

[@procaliadventures]

yes im sure, and your train of thought is because its a very old BOOK!

[@BlueHopi144]

Control as u said has nothing to do with embracing anxiety as he explained . Its about time u know what u talk about . I have 20 years experience with Yogic breathing techniques - its not about control . Control comes from your mind conditioning and u can't control anxiety or panic attacks or anything of that range but u can embrace those on the edge emotions and with with them .I have on top of that experience the tsunami back in 2004 , near a beach where a serious wave came in - i did not use control to live that experience . Thats my book mate , how do u feel now ?

[@procaliadventures]

Pretty sore actually, fore arm muscle fatigue, and lower back discomfort. And i also need a mentor, would you be my mentor? and i yield and apologize for my previous reply. I wish you an excellent Sunday and coming week. BS y FP.

[@BlueHopi144]

Its ok buddy , i didn't mean to challenge you too far . If u need a mentor , i could be that one , according to what u would love to change or learn or manage better . Thats very honest from you to express how u are feeling . I understand . Send me a mail to [e-mail] about your situation / or what u feel is disturbing your life and i will get back to you next week with my feedback .Would that work for you ? Namaste

[@procaliadventures]

Pasadena that is beautifull and honorable . ill be in touch. regards.

[@andrewdoney6271]

❤🤙

[@rogerdat7807]

That kahala in your opening clip was begging for a spear through its head.

[@tinalaugel3259]

wow

[@monarch8086]

The part where you take rapid breaths, sucking air in while meditating, is that something you can do before diving? Or does that count as hyperventilation? I have no nearby way to get certified so I just gather info where I can!

[@surffoils6972]

Sadly your mind can tell you to do things that your body can’t survive, you can master your mind but your body has essential needs for life.

[@nolanlewis5463]

To the 7 people that disliked this video... I'm sorry never learned how to swim. The local pool is offering swim classes. Tell them Nolan sent you. yeeewwwww

[@DieserLukas]

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