Surfing Fitness After 70: Training, Recovery & Longevity Lessons from Joseph Grassadonia
Updated January 2026
Meet Joseph Grassadonia: Redefining Aging Through Fitness and the Ocean
Surfing after 70 isn’t about resisting age — it’s about adapting with intelligence, discipline, and respect for the body. As strength, recovery, and mindset become increasingly important, few people illustrate that balance better than Joseph Grassadonia.
At 73, Grassadonia is a lifelong surfer, fitness advocate, and publishing pioneer who continues to surf with purpose and consistency. As the longtime editor of OnFitness Magazine, he has spent decades exploring what it truly means to age well — not by slowing down, but by refining how we train, recover, and live.
This article examines how Joseph continues surfing into his seventies and the practical lessons older surfers and active adults can apply to stay strong, mobile, and engaged for the long term. Through thoughtful training, disciplined recovery, and a deep connection to the ocean, his approach offers a compelling model for fitness, longevity, and purposeful aging.
From Italian Shores to California Swells
Joseph’s connection to the ocean runs deep. Growing up in the Italian beach town of Lerici, he caught his first wave at age ten — and was instantly hooked. When his family later moved to Santa Cruz, California, surfing quickly became a cornerstone of his identity.
While studying at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Joseph built his academic and work schedule around the tides, a habit that shaped both his lifestyle and career.
Joseph Grassadonia, 73, locked in and carving a powerful bottom turn at Sunset Beach—proof that strength and focus only deepen with time.
A Career Built on Passion and Print
During his senior year at UCSC, Joseph co-founded an art magazine with friends, opening an office the very day he graduated. That publication would be the first of many — over the years, he launched 12 magazines and a weekly newspaper, establishing himself as a creative force in independent media. But even as his businesses grew, he never let go of his love for surfing.
“I knew I wasn’t destined to be a 9-to-5 guy because when the sun was up, I wanted to go surfing,” he said. “I’d bring my surfboards into my office or leave them in my car, get to work early, and take two hours to go surfing at lunchtime. Of course, I could get away with that since I owned the company!”
The Wear — and Wisdom — of Time
After more than 60 years in the water, Joseph Grassadonia understands what the sport demands — and what it takes from the body.
“When you’re young and doing aggressive stuff, you think you’re getting away with it, but you’re not,” he says. “These injuries come charging out at you in your 50s.”
That physical wake-up call pushed Joseph to rethink how he trained, ate, and recovered. Rather than backing away from activity, he adapted — turning to evidence-informed routines and sustainable habits to maintain strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.
This mindset reflects what matters most for lifelong fitness: consistency, adaptability, and respect for how the body changes over time.
Strength Training and Surfing After 70
Joseph’s training today prioritizes strength, balance, and joint health — not volume or intensity for its own sake. Weightlifting remains a cornerstone of his routine, supporting paddle strength, stability, and resilience.
His approach mirrors the idea that consistency beats optimization, especially as we age. Instead of chasing perfect programs, Joseph focuses on showing up regularly and training in ways that support his surfing — not sabotage it.
Intermittent Fasting After 70: Staying Lean, Sharp, and Mobile
For over a decade, Joseph Grassadonia has practiced intermittent fasting as a foundational lifestyle habit. He credits this approach with helping him stay lean, energized, and mentally sharp. into his seventies.
Combined with regular strength training, Joseph Grassadonia's fasting routine has also helped reduce chronic pain and inflammation. Today, he surfs two to three times per week on Oahu's North Shore — where the locals at Sunset Beach know him as "Kepa" — listening to his body's rhythm rather than forcing daily sessions.
Recovery, Pain Relief, and CBD Hemp Oil
Recovery plays a central role in Joseph’s ability to stay active. A turning point came when master surfboard shaper Jeff Bushman introduced him to CBD hemp oil.
“What I like about CBD is that I can get the benefits of marijuana without the high,” Joseph explains. “At my age, I want to have as much clarity as possible.”
Since integrating CBD into his routine, Joseph reports improved comfort and recovery, allowing him to continue surfing, hiking, and working out consistently. What began as a personal solution has since spread through his North Shore community, with more older athletes exploring CBD as part of a broader recovery strategy.
“If you have pain, you’re not having a quality of life,” he says. “If you couple working out and eating appropriately with a disciplined CBD oil regimen, I find it to be one of the best natural things you can do to reduce symptoms of ailments.”
Strategic recovery — including sleep, mobility, and lifestyle habits — becomes increasingly important with age, as outlined in our guide on how to speed up recovery after a workout.
FDA Disclosure: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult your physician before beginning a new supplement regimen.
What Older Athletes Can Learn from Joseph Grassadonia
Joseph Grassadonia is more than a surfer — he’s a blueprint for aging with intention.
Through fitness, fasting, and thoughtful recovery, he demonstrates that longevity isn’t about avoiding effort; it’s about applying it wisely. His story reinforces the principles of lifelong fitness: train consistently, recover deliberately, and adapt without losing passion.
His message is simple, but powerful: with discipline, curiosity, and self-care, your best years may still be ahead.
At the base of a towering North Shore swell, Joseph Grassadonia charges Sunset Beach—showcasing precise timing, grit, and senior fitness at one of the world’s most challenging surf breaks.
Quick Takeaways: Surfing Fitness After 70
Train for strength and joint health, not exhaustion
Prioritize recovery as much as workouts
Adapt frequency and intensity with age
Consistency matters more than perfection
Frequently Asked Questions About Surfing After 70
Is it safe to surf in your seventies?
With proper conditioning, recovery, and self-awareness, many older surfers continue safely and confidently.
How often should older surfers train?
Most benefit from strength training two to three times per week, balanced with rest and mobility work.
What matters most for longevity in surfing?
Strength, recovery, adaptability, and mental clarity all play critical roles.
For more insights on fitness, recovery, and longevity, explore additional articles in our OnFitness Magazine archive.