Features / 20 September, 2017 / My Baba

Interview with Laura Crane – Professional Surfer, Model & Influencer

Laura’s interest in surfing began at the age of 13 after she moved to North Devon, and became UK champion at the age of just 14. Since then Laura has represented Great Britain internationally, ranking fifth in the 2013 International Surfing Association European Championships.

Whilst travelling the world competing, Laura continued to model for International brands including Nike, Billabong and Chilli Surfboards. Now based in Portugal, following a two-year stint surfing in Bali, Laura is dedicated to promoting a healthy body image and flying the flag for talented, female surfers and sportswoman across the globe.

You took up surfing after moving to North Devon from Bristol and by the age of 14 became a UK champion. How much work did you have to put into such a quick success and did you find it easy?

I fell in love with the sport straight away. I surfed before school and it was never a chore. The water was freezing cold and I didn’t care, I just knew I wanted to be a professional surfer. I suppose I have some natural ability in the sport to have progressed so quickly but I’ve always considered myself really lucky to be so passionate about what I do.

How did you first get into surfing and why?

When my family moved to Devon, my Dad started surfing and got me interested in it. After my first day of surfing, I knew it was ‘my thing’. I’ve been involved with competitive sports since I was a kid but this is the one that really stuck.

 For any teenagers out there that are interested in a similar career path, what advice would you give them?

Not to waste another minute. Surfing isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. And one you’ll want to be involved with for sure!

What beach would you recommend for learners to try out the sport for the first time?

In the UK – Croyd Bay in north Devon. That’s where I learnt and it’s really great for all levels.

 You are now a model for lots of international brands including Nike and Bilabong, Was this always something you wanted to do as a child?

As a kid I was a real tomboy! Modelling just kind of came with the lifestyle. As surfers, we’re always documenting what we’re doing so being on camera comes hand in hand with the sport. For me, I find it really cool to not only be taking pictures for big brands, but also to be able to look back on. That’s why I really enjoy being a sports model, it’s much more about the life you’re living and the person you are. It can be really inspiring.

How do you stay looking so good, what is your daily routine?

Hair masks are life saver! I don’t ever want to be sunburnt so I always use a lot of sun cream. And daily moisturising is essential!

What’s in the pipeline for you next?

To carry on travelling and living the dream. And to keep shining a positive light on female surfers.

How would you sum yourself up in one sentence?

A carefree and positive surfer girl living her dream!