#63 Beyond Two Guinness Surfing Records: How Shawn Dollar Overcame Traumatic Brain Injury—and Why You Must Advocate for Your Own Health

Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Legends

“Fear doesn’t have to destroy you—it can become rocket fuel if you learn to harness it. That mindset carried me through big waves and even bigger challenges on land.”

In this episode, we dive deep with Shawn Dollar, a big-wave surfer known for paddling into massive 60-foot waves—twice—earning him two Guinness World Records. As awe-inspiring as those rides were, Shawn opens up about an even more daunting challenge: a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that threatened to derail his life entirely. He shares how he became his own best advocate, seeking out cutting-edge treatments and refusing to accept “standard” medical advice as the only option.

Topics Discussed

• Big-Wave Mindset: Why surfing colossal waves is as much a mental feat as a physical one, and how that mindset can help in everyday challenges.
• TBI Diagnosis & Recovery: The reality of sustaining a life-altering injury and the critical steps Shawn took to regain full brain function.
• Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: How to research, ask tough questions, and stay proactive when you’re not getting all the answers you need.
• Resilience & Family: Balancing personal ambition and recovery with the responsibilities of work and fatherhood.
• Lifestyle & Longevity: Tips on daily routines, nutrition, and simple habits that can lead to better overall health—physical and mental.

Key Takeaways

• Harness Fear as Fuel: Fear doesn’t have to paralyze you; it can become your driving force for growth if you learn to channel it.
• Create a Vision for Recovery: Even in the darkest moments, having a clear mental picture of a better future can keep you motivated.
• Be Your Own Advocate: Standard medical advice can be limited. Explore options, do your research, and don’t be afraid to push for more.
• Small Steps, Big Wins: Significant progress often comes from consistent, incremental changes over time—both in surfing and in healing.
• Family Matters: Recognize that your personal health journey affects those around you. Involve loved ones in decision-making for more holistic support.

References

• Shawn Dollar's Website
• Shawn on Instagram
• Shawn Dollar’s Guinness World Records for paddling into the largest wave (twice)

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