In this episode, we dive into the life of Dan Worden, athlete, nonprofit founder, ocean safety expert, adventurer, and photographer, known to many as @adventuremandan through his social media following. Growing up in Oregon with dreams of swimming at a Division 1 school, Dan’s path eventually led him to the University of Hawaiʻi, where joining the swim team, biomechanics research, amazing friends and love of helping others helped him put down roots. He shares stories of cliff dives, his infamous turquoise van, and the body-mind connection that fuels his athleticism and curiosity. We also dive into the origins of his next venture, founding Palekana Aquatics Academy, and his mission to make ocean safety education accessible. As always, it is his hope to find balance between pushing limits and respecting the sea. Through it all, Dan reminds us that adventure is for everyone - if you match the positive energy.

Episode Highlights

00:21 Meet Adventure Man Dan, your favorite wave-chasing, cliff-jumping storyteller

01:07 Big dreams of swimming for a Division 1 school

01:58 How Hawaiʻi stole his heart through biomechanics research, film swim lessons, and social media magic

04:38 Why friends make every adventure better

07:10 The origin story of @adventuremandan

08:47 That moment when someone recognizes you in public

10:39 Wearing more hats than your average lifeguard

11:45 The infamous turquoise adventure van

15:41 The cliff dive he’ll never forget

17:49 The body–mind connection and pushing the limits of what’s possible

20:57 Revisiting favorite wild places through new seasons, new friends, and new perspectives

22:58 Kilo (observe)

24:33 Why adventure is for everyone if you bring the right energy

25:17 Roses & Thorns -  leading life with curiosity

26:49 Founding Palekana Aquatics Academy to spread ocean safety skills

28:25 Discovering his purpose by helping others level up

29:09 How to push the limits while honoring the ocean’s power

30:08 The essential aquatic safety skills everyone should know

32:31 What’s next for Adventure Man Dan

33:26 “Smiles are for miles”

Photo Credit: Dan Worden

@adventuremandan @swimmingwithdan

Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik

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