Rick enjoying the view. Photo courtesy of Living Stoked
I’m a flesh-eating disease survivor. At the age of 35, I had my right leg amputated at the hip and spent three months in the University of Maryland’s shock trauma unit undergoing over 45 major surgeries and rehab facility. I’m also a survivor of an Ambien addiction of 8 years, which is a sleep aid that was prescribed to deal with nighttime phantom pains. I was suicidal and spent the better part of my 42nd year in a psychiatric ward in Baltimore.
My name is Rick Landon, and I am a 49-year-old surfer and painting contractor from Ocean City, Maryland. I am the father of two incredible young adults, Matt (22) and Jenna (21). Travis is my business partner, travel companion and my daughter Jenna’s boyfriend. My kids and I have a great relationship and they humble me and keep me stoked on life. Both of my kids surf and are artistically inclined, and have a lot of positive energy as a result. I owe a lot to their mother who also saved my life and forced me to face a hellish alcohol and narcotics addiction five years after I lost my right leg.
Rick charging in Puerto Rico. Photo: Matt Landon
Living Stoked is an idea that Travis and I have had for some time in order to share ideas and stories and practices that we do in order to avoid the traps of modern-day life. We both want to offer encouragement in overcoming obstacles. I personally have experienced some incredible moments in my life and continue to challenge myself. We intend to add videos, have inspirational stories of other people overcoming adversity, and we want to grow this community to give and receive inspiration. We hope you will sign up and engage with our blog where topics covered include:
Art of Living: How I learned to meditate and understand the ego.
I’m a strong person, but I can’t quit pain killers! My 8-year addiction that ended up with heroin.
Drugs and poison are in our food: Ever heard of neurotoxins?
How do I frequently surf for 4 to 6 hours non-stop in the freezing cold winter?
The Ocean: The ultimate healing center.
Learn more about Living Stoked at livingstoked.org
Taking advantage of an East Coast wedge. Photo: Nick Denny
