Health Hacker: How surfing changed an Aussie star’s life

Aussie actor Ben O’Toole was already in shape, but learning a new skill for his role in an upcoming TV series has seen the star reap unexpected rewards.

One of the greatest benefits of being an actor would surely be acquiring new skills for a role, whether they be extreme (Tom Cruise learning to fly a helicopter in Mission: Impossible – Fallout), or even somewhat illegal (Bryan Cranston learning how to cook naughty things for Breaking Bad).

Like Keanu Reeves before him in the classic action flick Point Break, Australian actor Ben O’Toole has learned to hang ten for his role in Barons, a new ABC TV series that looks at Aussie surf culture in the early ’70s.

“Prior to Barons I hadn’t really surfed all that much, but I began taking lessons with a few of the other cast members,” says Cairns-born O’Toole.

“The amount of upper-body endurance you need to get out the back of the surf is incredible, as well as the core stability and leg strength required to maintain balance and stay in control. It’s an incredible form of fitness, and something I have fallen in love with.”

Not only has surfing kept the 30-year-old thespian in tip-top shape, he also credits it with changing his outlook on life.

Ben O'Toole in West Hollywood in 2018. Picture: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

“There is something spiritual about being out in the water, waiting for Mother Nature to bring the next set in,” he says.

While you may have control of your board, you have no control over the conditions, the wind, the nature of the wave. It’s a brilliant lesson in letting go, of controlling what you can, and learning to accept what you can’t.”

Co-stars George Pullar, Ben O'Toole and Lincoln Younes at the Barons premiere. Picture: Ned Simes

Having clocked up high-profile roles in films like The Water Diviner and Hacksaw Ridge, as well as roles on TV shows such as Love Child and Halifax: Retribution, O’Toole has already been contemplating how to adapt his skillset beyond the world of acting.

“A general goal I have for myself is to take on more responsibility within this industry,” he says.

“I’d like to produce, and one day direct, so any step in that direction is a small win for me, and keeps me going. I love acting, but there comes a time I think when you want to feel more responsible for the outcome of a story.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I’m in no rush. I’d like to do it right.”

Ben O’Toole on …

Mindfulness

“I take care of my mind through a bit of therapy. I get a little anxious and paranoid sometimes, so speaking to someone about these issues rather than letting them fester has completely changed my outlook on life. I also find that being closer to and surrounded by nature really relaxes me. I also took up meditation recently and have found it incredibly helpful.”

Ben O'Toole in 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Michael Tullberg

Sleep

“A regular sleep cycle is something that has done wonders for my energy levels. I aim to get eight hours a night. When you’re regularly training, a solid, restful sleep is essential. You won’t repair in time for the next day’s workout otherwise! Plus you’ll be a cranky zombie on set, and nobody wants that.”

Exercise

“I take care of my body with regular exercise, both cardio and resistance training, and by doing my best to eat well. Exercise has become a form of meditation, and I found that my mind became grateful that I was doing something to better myself every day.”

Diet

“I try to keep an eye on how many calories I take in a day, but I also like to have a life, so pizza and a beer creep in every now and again. It also depends upon what character I’m playing at the time. Sometimes you gotta put weight on, sometimes you gotta take it off, but in between I try to maintain a strong, capable body and a healthy mind. Someone once told me to think of my body and brain as an F1 race car. Without the best fuel, you won’t get the best output.”

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Originally published as Health Hacker: How surfing changed an Aussie star’s life