Dylan Efron, known lately for his time on the popular reality game show The Traitors, has carved out a life as a documentarian and world traveler. From sightseeing with his brother, actor Zac Efron, to venturing into off-the-beaten-path destinations, there are few corners of the globe he hasn’t explored. And most recently, he made headlines for heroically saving locals from drowning in South Beach, Miami—an experience that highlighted his commitment to staying mentally sharp and physically fit. Wellness is a key part of his daily routine, whether he’s behind the camera or diving into his next adventure.
In fact, that healthy lifestyle is what led him to partner with Wasa, whose nutritious cracker creations keep him fueled on the go. First for Women recently caught up with Efron to discuss his dramatic rescue, his passion for storytelling and exploration and how fitness, mental health and smart snacking help him stay balanced—wherever life takes him.
Dylan Efron’s recent life-saving rescue: ‘It was really random’
After The Traitors finale aired in March, Efron was enjoying some relaxation down in Miami at the beginning of April. He was walking on the shore and noticed some swimmers screaming in the water.
“Honestly, it’s all just so bizarre. It was my first time ever stepping foot on the beach in Miami. It’s kind of chaos,” he told First for Women. “Compared to California beaches where there aren’t many people on the beach, there were so many people here, and as soon as we made it up to shore, I see a girl waving both hands, saying, ‘Help, help.’”
He didn’t even understand what was really happening and had to step back and think for a second. But Efron’s lifeguarding skills kicked in fast. “We saw the people out there, and my buddy Brandon and I jumped right in and started swimming back in,” he recalled.
His background in swimming helped him remain calm
Efron taught himself how to swim through YouTube videos, a skill he used when competing in triathlons. He became a strong swimmer and now uses the water as a way to recharge, while still getting in that daily exercise.
“As soon as you get out of the water, you just feel like a new man,” Efron says. “And that rings true; you feel it all across your body, like you’re awake. You feel sensation, and it’s one of my favorite feelings in the world.”
How Dylan Efron makes the most out of his adventures
It’s safe to say that Efron has been on some pretty epic trips over the years, whether traveling solo, discovering hidden gems with Zac or exploring new destinations with his entire family. And a place that really changed his perspective? Nepal.
“It was so different for me; my brother and I had no itinerary, so we just wanted to soak it all in,” he says. “We stayed in a monastery for a bit, and were living a really simple life.”
He also remembers being taken aback by the mountains while backpacking and hiking there. “We grew up with what we thought were mountains, but they call those hills,” Efron jokes. So you see these little hill-like, little mountains, and they said, ‘no, the mountain’s up there.’ And it’s so jarring how tall it is. So that was a beautiful moment.”
Dylan Efron’s partnership with Wasa
With all those adventures, Efron is always on the lookout for tasty snacks that keep him satisfied, which is what led to his collaboration with Wasa. The brand just launched its crispbread creations in two flavors: Cinnamon, and Sesame with Sea Salt.
I got a taste of the Wasa lifestyle myself (alongside Efron) during a recent glamping experience on New York City’s Governors Island, where I was invited to join a day of outdoor activities, healthy bites and mindful moments inspired by the brand’s mission. From scenic views to snack breaks under the sun, the day captured the essence of what Wasa—and Efron—are all about: finding meaningful moments while embracing adventure.
That same spirit also let Efron bask in the outdoors. “This is everything I love,” says Efron. “It’s organic to be at a camp because all my best memories from school are from the camp we did in Rancho Allegra. It feels fun partnering with brands that are organic to me, and I’m not doing something that feels forced. I’m gonna camp and play tug of war, which is what I love to do.”
Curious about Efron’s go-to Wasa snacks? “I always have the Cinnamon Crisp creations with me, and I have a jar of peanut butter or almond butter, along with a sliced banana on top,” he shares. That’s the one he eats when he’s on the road. “I can throw all that stuff in my backpack. It’s an easy snack for me because it has good fats and it’ll give me energy.”