Surfer Lakey Peterson In Wetsuit Shares “Magic Moments From Fiji”

Lakey Peterson is soaking up the sea, sand, and surf on a trip to beautiful Fiji. Peterson, 30, shared highlights from her trip, including video of her snorkeling in a wetsuit, exploring the ocean and spear fishing. “Magic moments from Fiji so far. 1. Underwater cave dive with the queen @fayezoettt. 2. Speared my first ever fish and I’m now addicted. 3. Boat hangs 4.Tom Tom living his best life 😍 @thomas_allan. 5. All of our spirit animals 🐬🐬,” she captioned the post. Here’s how this star athlete stays fit and strong.

1. Yoga and Meditation

Peterson practices yoga and mindful meditation. “I think yoga is such a great way to slow down your mind,” she told Yoga Trade. “Oftentimes as an athlete you are doing so many things in a day from training, interviews, emails, watching footage, surfing (or whatever sport you do) that you forget to just take a moment and breathe. The mind is so powerful and I find in yoga I always finish a class with a clear head and ready to go again.”

2. Pilates and Recovery

Peterson says her approach to fitness has evolved. “I’ve learned to focus more on recovery and longevity rather than killing yourself in the gym,” she told American Surf Magazine. “Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of pilates, which is new. It’s amazing for surfing, because you’re putting yourself in positions with the reformers where you are lengthening and strengthening at the same time. That’s a lot of what surfing is. It may sound weird, but you want to be like a ballerina — with strength. That’s what looks great on a wave.”

3. Training Day

Peterson is up at 5.30 a.m on a typical training day. “Depending on how good the waves are, I'll surf for probably two hours, two and a half hours,” she told ESPN. “Then we watch some video review and go to the gym for an hour and a half. Then a little break and surfing for another two hours. I try to average four hours surfing a day, and I probably train five days a week. If the waves are really good one day, I won't train, I'll just surf for six hours. For me, my fitness is great in the gym, and that will always be there, but more time in the water and more time surfing is where I'm able to progress and catch up a lot more because I started late.”

4. Advice For Young Surfers

Peterson has good advice for aspiring professional surfers. “First, if you’re really serious about competing, surround yourself with a coach or parent who’s going to make sure it stays fun and keeps you focused on the big picture — someone who is result-based and life-based,” she told American Surf Magazine. “The combination of these two is important for your happiness and longevity in a career. Second, try tons of different boards. Try all the shapers you can — if you’re able to. And third, travel. It’s expensive, I know, but try your best to get to Hawaii, or waves of heavy water that are going to make you a better surfer.”

5. Protecting the Ocean

Peterson is strongly committed to protecting the ocean. “We really need to be aware of how much plastic we use. It is the biggest issue in today’s world,” she told Yoga Trade. “Start using your own coffee cup in the morning, bring your own forks and knives so you don’t need to use plastic ones, and try to challenge yourself to not buy anything in plastic at the supermarket. Its nearly impossible but really eye opening. Also, when you are out and about pick up five or more pieces of trash every time. All of these things add up, get involved and spread the word. It’s a team effort!”