Meet Mike, the Doctor of Physical Therapy that rips harder than any other doctor we know. We sat down with Mike, a lifelong Carlsbad native, to see how the ocean and surfing has shaped his life and how he incorporates physical therapy in to his surf routine to keep him surfing longer.
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Q. What got you into surfing and where’s your favorite spot to go?
Michael - I actually never even had the choice to get into surfing, I was more born into surfing and all other beach activities through my parents. My favorite spot is Carlsbad campgrounds, I’ve pretty much grown up there. My favorite phrase to describe it is, it’s never great but, always decent!
Q. What do you do for work and what time do you have to get there in the morning?
Michael - I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy, so typically I go in when I have patients scheduled. However, I’ve recently stepped into a management role and can schedule patients based on whether I have a “board” meeting or not 😉
Q. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, could you share some advice or practices one could do to keep them healthy and surfing more?
Michael - The best advice I can give for any sport but especially surfing, is to do supplemental work for the activity you’re going to do. What that means is mobility work when you wake up and then again post surf in an ideal world, and then light strength work or muscle activation/priming right before you surf. For the general population that means mobilizing your lumbar/thoracic spine, and then priming your shoulders and hips to optimize your surf session 💪
Q. What motivates you to wake up early and surf before work?
Michael - I guess just my passion for surfing, it’s my way of doing something I love and getting out and being active… and it doesn’t hurt that usually, conditions tend to be better early.
Q. How does an early morning surf affect your mood and mindset for the rest of the day?
Michael - It’s a 💯 mood booster! Both just being in a flow state while surfing and also from a physiological level, morning light + exercise brings a cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones which increases energy, immune system function, and mood.
Q. What's your morning routine look like on the days you surf before work?
Michael - My mornings typically follow a pretty simple routine of waking up, surf check/text a few people for surf details, stretching and priming muscles (shoulders/hips) for a surf, coffee (or 2), and then paddle out.
Q. How do you make sure you get to work on time after a dawn patrol surf?
Michael - Well this year has been easy because it’s pretty much been just flat and cold. So, knowing that 3 waves is a session I’m usually just in and out. If it is good and I fall victim to the “1 more” syndrome I have my trusty Nixon watch to tell me when to get out.
Q. Any tips for someone who might be thinking of trying to get a surf in before work?
Michael - Honestly not really! I think the thing that motivates me the most is just telling myself to “just go”. It’s hard to complain or feel bad after you’ve splashed and gotten wet.
Mike's Product Pick ///
Turnarounds Beanie - Eucalyptus / Shop Now
