Dalen Michaels, a 23-year-old surfer from Florida, is redefining what is and isn’t possible. While navigating the uncertainties of water, things can often get risky. But Dalen has kept pushing limits, regardless. And like most parents, Dalen’s mom, Alena Michaels, worries about the kind of risks he takes. But as Hurricane Milton approved Florida, even his mother’s warnings couldn’t keep him away from the waves! In true mom style, she said, “Are you kidding me?”

However, Dalen doesn’t let words hold him back. “We have trust. She knows I wouldn’t do anything unsafe,” Dalen explained to People. “I’ve been surfing during storms for years.”

Alena might be used to the dangers, but this time around, it was different. Hurricane Milton came with high winds, vicious currents, and dangerous rip tides. Despite all warnings and announcements, Dalen and his team went into the sea. “We’re Floridians,” Dalen said. “We don’t get waves like this often. When we do, we make sure not to miss out.”

Dalen’s confidence radiates from his deep-rooted experience. He has been coming to terms with ways of waves since he was 14. Over the years, he’s taken on hurricanes like Matthew, Dorian, and Isaias. Surfing through the hurricane waves, he has developed his skills and grown stronger. But his mother has never been excited about it!

As Alena herself, puts it, “We had a long talk prior, and I had to see that the conditions are okay for the surf. We also had an agreement that he would never surf alone and would always check in with me. So we built trust and good communication. They would drive out as far as to New Smyrna Beach, which is a few hours from where we live.” But none of it seems to slow Dalen down. Instead, he playfully said, “I’m 23. Her authority is slowly diminishing.” Yet Hurricane Milton was a different beast.

The category three storm battered and flooded Florida, forcing many residents to evacuate. But for Dalen Michaels and his fellow surfers, it brought waves. “The winds were insane. We had to paddle hard just to stay in place,” he recalled. At one point, one surfer who surfed with him drifted down the beach because of strong currents.

“We didn’t panic, though. It’s all about staying calm and looking out for each other,” Dalen said. As fun as it was, Dalen became unaware he was playing a dangerous game.

Out into the storm on a surfboard went Dalen despite officials, warning of dangerous flooding, extreme winds, and significant damage across the state. Dalen was fully aware of the risks but he had faith in nature. “We make sure we’re safe. We wouldn’t be out there if we didn’t trust each other and our abilities,” he added. But how does he fight the fear of all things dangerous?

Dalen Michael’s recipe to keep fear at bay!

Most surfers would agree that a hurricane can be their worst nightmare – the dangerous waves, the unpredictable rip currents, and the genuine threat of sharks. Yet, Dalen’s approach to fear is different. He does not let it control him. “I’m big on manifestation,” Dalen explained. “If you’re out there constantly thinking a shark is going to bite you, then something bad might happen.” Instead, he takes an alternate route.

Dalen focuses on being in that moment and enjoying the water. And a major part of that perspective comes from the respect for the oceans. Even in the worst of turmoils, Dalen Micheals seems to find his solace in the unpredictability of water and his company.

As he himself puts it, “We’re blessed to be out there, and we keep our eyes on each other!”