Discovering a passion for surfing

Ben Larg’s journey into the world of surfing began at an early age, shaped by the rugged beauty of the Isle of Tiree. Known for its powerful swells and remote beaches, the island provided the perfect playground for a young surfer eager to test his limits. With few others around to share the waves, Ben often found himself paddling out alone, learning to read the ocean and adapt to its ever-changing moods.

Growing up in a place where the sea is a constant presence, Ben developed a deep respect for the water. The cold Atlantic conditions demanded resilience, and he quickly learned the importance of timing, balance, and patience. Without the luxury of large surf schools or a bustling surf community, his progress was largely self-driven, relying on trial and error to refine his technique.

Despite the challenges, Ben’s passion for surfing only grew stronger. He spent countless hours in the water, pushing himself to take on bigger waves and harsher conditions. His dedication did not go unnoticed—local surfers and visiting professionals began to recognise his natural talent and fearless approach. Encouraged by their support, he started to dream of taking his skills beyond the shores of Tiree.

As he honed his abilities, Ben also drew inspiration from the world’s top surfers, studying their movements and techniques through videos and competitions. He was particularly drawn to the big wave riders, whose courage and skill resonated with his own experiences in the wild Scottish waters. This admiration fuelled his ambition, driving him to seek out bigger challenges and push the boundaries of what he could achieve.

By his teenage years, it was clear that Ben was not just another local surfer—he was a rising talent with the potential to make a mark on the sport. His early experiences navigating the waves of Tiree had given him a unique foundation, one built on perseverance, self-reliance, and an unshakable love for the ocean.

Rising through the ranks

As Ben’s skills progressed, so did his ambitions. Determined to test himself against the best, he began entering competitions, travelling beyond the Isle of Tiree to surf in more challenging conditions. His first major breakthrough came when he competed in junior events across the UK, where his fearless approach and technical ability quickly set him apart. Despite coming from a relatively isolated surf scene, he proved he could hold his own against surfers who had grown up training in more established surf hubs.

One of the defining moments in Ben’s rise came when he took on some of the biggest waves in Europe. Drawn to the raw power of big wave surfing, he set his sights on locations like Mullaghmore in Ireland and Nazaré in Portugal—places known for their monstrous swells and unforgiving conditions. While many young surfers ease into the sport through smaller competitions, Ben chose a different path, chasing waves that tested not only his skill but also his courage.

His dedication to big wave surfing caught the attention of seasoned professionals, many of whom were impressed by his ability to handle extreme conditions at such a young age. He began training with some of the best in the sport, learning the intricacies of wave selection, breath-hold techniques, and the mental resilience required to face towering walls of water. These experiences helped him refine his approach, making him a more calculated and strategic surfer while maintaining the fearless energy that had defined his early years.

Beyond competitions, Ben also embraced the adventure side of surfing, seeking out remote and challenging breaks that few had dared to surf. His willingness to push boundaries and explore uncharted waters earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young surfers to watch. Whether it was braving the frigid waters of Scotland or tackling the legendary waves of Europe, he continued to prove that he was more than just a promising talent—he was a surfer with the potential to leave a lasting impact on the sport.

A promising future in the sport

With his reputation growing, Ben Larg is now setting his sights on even greater challenges in the world of big wave surfing. At just 20 years old, he has already tackled some of the most notorious waves in Europe, but his ambitions extend far beyond the Atlantic. Determined to push his limits, he has begun training for some of the biggest breaks in the world, including those found in Hawaii, Tahiti, and Australia.

Australia, in particular, holds a special appeal for Ben. With its rich surf culture and legendary waves like Shipstern Bluff, The Right, and Ours, the country offers the perfect proving ground for a surfer eager to test himself against the best. He has already expressed interest in spending more time in Australia, learning from local big wave riders and immersing himself in the unique conditions that make the region one of the most respected in the sport.

Beyond his personal ambitions, Ben is also focused on inspiring the next generation of surfers. Coming from a remote island with a small surf community, he understands the challenges faced by young surfers who lack access to top-tier training and facilities. He hopes to use his journey as proof that talent and determination can overcome geographical limitations. Through social media, interviews, and collaborations with surf brands, he is sharing his experiences and encouraging others to chase their own surfing dreams, no matter where they come from.

As he continues to refine his skills and take on bigger waves, Ben is also working on building partnerships with sponsors and surf organisations that align with his vision. With the right support, he aims to compete in more international events, gain experience in the world’s most challenging surf spots, and solidify his place among the elite big wave surfers of his generation.

While the future is never certain in a sport as unpredictable as surfing, one thing is clear—Ben Larg is not slowing down. With his fearless approach, relentless drive, and deep respect for the ocean, he is well on his way to becoming one of the most exciting names in big wave surfing.

Discovering a passion for surfing

Ben Larg was just a kid when he first paddled out alone into the frigid waters off the Isle of Tiree. While most youngsters were kicking a footy or glued to a screen, Ben was chasing waves, braving the North Atlantic swells with nothing but a board and a whole lot of determination.

Growing up on a remote Scottish island, he didn’t have the luxury of surf schools or packed lineups. Instead, he learned the hard way—by wiping out, getting back up, and doing it all over again. The ocean became his playground, his teacher, and his toughest opponent. And let’s be honest, if you can handle the icy Scottish surf, you can handle just about anything.

By the time he was in his early teens, Ben was already tackling waves that would make most people think twice. While his mates were bundled up against the cold, he was out there, carving through the swell, pushing himself further with every session. It wasn’t just about the thrill—it was about mastering the unpredictable, reading the ocean like a seasoned fisherman reads the tides.

That relentless drive and love for the sport set him apart early on. He wasn’t just another kid with a surfboard—he was a young gun with serious talent, ready to take on whatever the ocean threw at him.

Rising as a promising talent

As Ben’s skills sharpened, so did his reputation. By his mid-teens, he wasn’t just the best surfer on Tiree—he was making waves far beyond the island. Competing in junior events across the UK, he quickly proved he wasn’t just some cold-water novelty act. He had the technique, the guts, and the hunger to go toe-to-toe with the best.

It wasn’t long before the big-wave scene caught his eye. While most surfers his age were content with playful beach breaks, Ben had his sights set on something gnarlier. He started training for the kind of waves that don’t just knock you off your board—they hold you down and make you question your life choices. But that’s exactly what he wanted. The bigger, the better.

At just 16, he took on Mullaghmore, Ireland’s infamous big-wave beast. It was a rite of passage, a proving ground for only the bravest. And Ben? He didn’t just survive—he thrived. That session put him on the radar of the global surf community. Suddenly, the kid from Tiree wasn’t just a local talent—he was a rising star in the world of heavy-water surfing.

With each new challenge, he kept pushing his limits. Training in brutal conditions, studying the ocean like a seasoned pro, and taking on waves that would send most people paddling for shore. His dedication wasn’t just about personal glory—it was about proving that a surfer from a tiny Scottish island could stand tall on the world stage.