Words: Beth Franklin Photos: Tim Bonython SwellChasers

Robyn Larg, from Tiree, made history when she surfed a near-15ft wave on February 15 at the world’s biggest wave in Portugal, as the youngest British person to surf Nazare. The 18-year-old hit the waves with her big brother, Ben Larg, who also made history as the first Scottish person to compete at the World Surf League Nazare Tow Challenge. Ben cemented his histortical appearance at the event by taking third place in the men’s category. Ben, and his teammate, big wave pioneer Andrew Cotton, also took third place in the team’s category of the comp. After surfing since the age of three, and seeing her brother tackle the waves Robyn decided she wanted to take them on too and she did just that. It comes after Laura Crane, from Devon, became the first British woman to surf Nazare last year. Despite, almost had to miss the swell as she was working at Scotland’s recently opened wave pool the Lost Shore Resort, she managed to catch a flight after the comp and the rest is history.

Here’s what Robyn had to say about her historic surf, and what’s next for the Scottish charger…

Robyn, when did you start surfing and how did you get into it?
I started surfing when I was around three years old, we live on the Isle of Tiree; my mum and dad run a surf school there, so we were always at the beach. My brother and dad would always be surfing so I just followed.
What surfers do you look up to? Any specific pro women that inspire you?
I really look up to my brother, he’s always helped me with my surfing since we were young, i also really look up to Laura Crane, I think she is such a good ambassador for women’s surfing especially for big waves.
What’s your advice to younger surfers looking to challenge themselves?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. If an opportunity comes your way, don’t hesitate to take it if you can.

Your favourite surf spot?
I have loads of surf spots that I love to surf. Nazare was amazing, France and Cornwall are so much fun, but I love surfing at home in Tiree. I think when you know a place so well you just feel so comfortable there.
How did you mentally prepare for Nazare? Were you scared? How did you manage that?
I wasn’t too scared before I got out as I knew there was no pressure to surf, once i was in the water I definitely started to feel a little more nervous, but ben was super reassuring and made me feel super safe which was nice- I loved being able to do it with him.
To have Andrew Cotton there as an added rescue was so reassuring. To be honest I get butterflies before I go out on a lot of surfs but once you catch a few waves the feeling settles, and you just get into it.
What’s your next surf goal?
My next surf goal is to just keep training with my brother and hopefully build up to some slightly bigger days both in Nazare and elsewhere.
Also, I have the Scottish National Championships in April and I’d like to do really well in that . I’ve loved representing Scotland and hope I can continue to do it.