From Haole To Hero: The Life of Big Wave Surfer Laird Hamilton

Training Secret: Sleep

Photo Credit: Philip Ramey/Corbis via Getty Images

Laird is big on sleep. He says, “Sleep is a foundation to my training because it’s vital for muscle regeneration, mental recovery, and more importantly, long-term health.”

With a demanding fitness regimen and the energy that surfing takes out of you, he understands the importance of rest and recovery. That’s why he makes sure he cuts out enough time to recover and takes magnesium supplements before he goes to sleep. The mineral helps to relax the muscles and signals the body to rest. He’s also an ambassador for SleepScore Labs, which develops technology to monitor and improve sleep.