A Scottish teenager has made history by becoming the youngest British woman to conquer some of the world’s largest waves, following in the footsteps of her brother. Robyn Larg, hailing from the Isle of Tiree in Argyll, achieved this remarkable feat by riding a wave estimated to be a staggering 15 meters high at the World Surf League Nazaré Tow Challenge in Portugal. This record-breaking accomplishment comes after Laura Crane, a 29-year-old from north Devon, became the first British woman to take on these waves back in 2024.
Robyn, at just 18 years old, expressed her awe and gratitude towards her brother Ben, who had previously secured third place in the 2025 Tudor Nazare Big Wave Challenge by surfing 40-foot Atlantic rollers. Reflecting on her brother’s achievements, Robyn shared, “What he has done has gone beyond what we could have thought could have been achieved.” She added, “Coming from a tiny island in Scotland to go and surf the biggest wave in the world with the most accomplished big wave surfers is mind-blowing.”
Growing up on the picturesque Isle of Tiree, Robyn and Ben were introduced to the world of surfing by their father, Marti. However, their recent foray into the massive waves of Nazaré marked a new chapter in their surfing journey. Ben, now 20 years old and a member of Red Bull’s international team since his teenage years, surprised everyone by making his debut at the Nazaré event and clinching a podium finish as the youngest contestant to do so.
The unexpected turn of events unfolded when surf legend Andrew Cotton found himself without a partner due to the sudden withdrawal of his teammate, Garret McNamara. In a bold move, Andrew enlisted Ben to team up for the competition, resulting in a remarkable third-place finish. This marked the first time an all-British pair had reached the podium at this prestigious big wave event. Looking ahead, Ben and Andrew are already planning their return for the upcoming season.
Robyn credits her brother as a major influence on her surfing journey, revealing that she practiced with him for several days before mustering the courage to tackle the colossal waves. The siblings have formed a unique bond as the only brother-sister tow team in the world, navigating the challenges of the ocean together. Only a select few are granted the opportunity to compete in the Nazaré challenge, known for its towering waves that attract elite surfers from around the globe.
Ben expressed his hopes of assisting Robyn in setting more records in future competitions, underscoring the significance of his own achievement. He stated, “For me, this is massive. This is the biggest event of its kind in the world, and to place third is amazing.” As the Larg siblings continue to make waves in the surfing world, their story serves as a testament to the power of determination, skill, and unwavering support within the realm of extreme sports.
