EP 253: Laura Crane – Prep for the 2025/26 Big Wave season, Working with Antonio Laureano, Nazaré, Overcoming injuries, Surf industry standards, Mental health, Dryrobe®, Finding purpose through Crane Surf Co., and Her biggest inspirations

Big-wave surfer and Dryrobe® ambassador Laura Crane joins the pod to talk about her rise at Nazaré, the power of resilience, and finding identity through the heaviest water on Earth. Fresh off her second full season in Portugal, Laura reflects on the highs of qualifying for the WSL Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge and the lows of breaking her ankle during one of her sessions. She opens up about the rehab process, slowing down after years of intensity, and what she learned from navigating injury, recovery, and expectation. Laura shares how Nazaré has become her “classroom” over the past three years, training with Tony Laureano, and even stepping up to rescue her hero Maya Gabeira. She looks back on her journey from a 12-year-old national champion from Devon to a sponsored Billabong pro, and how the surf industry’s obsession with image left her battling mental health challenges and an eating disorder. Her story is one of rediscovery — trading modeling sets and TV screens for big waves, community, and purpose. Now, through her Crane Surf Co. ocean wellness retreats, Laura helps others harness fear as a tool for growth. She also pays tribute to the women who’ve inspired her – from Maya Gabeira, Justine Dupont, Michelle des Bouillons to the new generation of chargers redefining what’s possible in women’s surfing.

Follow Laura here.

Book an ocean-based wellness retreat through her company Crane Surf Co – their next trip is a Maldives Boat Trip in August 2026.

Check out our episode sponsor Dryrobe® at Dryrobe.com and follow them on Instagram here!

Stay tuned to the next event on the Challenger Series, the Banco do Brasil Saquarema Pro Presened by Corona Cero, Oct 11 - 19.

Big Wave Season window starts November 1st, 2025 - March 31st, 2026.

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