Wellness Guru: Laura Crane, Professional Surfer

Laura Crane started surfing at the age of 13 and was UK Champion by the following year at age 14. Her career has soared ever since, and she has represented Great Britain several time, raking fifth in the 2013 International Surfing Association European Championships. Laura has paired her career in surfing with a career in modelling too, featuring in campaigns for brands including Nike, Billabong and Chilli Surfboards. Now based in Portugal and the UK, 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.

I asked Laura to share her tips with us on how she maintains a healthy body image, and healthy eating whilst on tour...

Tell us about yourself Laura, and how you got to be where you are today?

I was born in Bristol grew up in Croyde, North Devon, and now at 22 I am a professional surfer & model who has been traveling the world with my job since I was just 14. I started surfing when we moved from the city to the coast, and would be out in the surf before and after school every day, even throughout winter which in the UK is dedication! I then started competing in local competitions which eventually led to competing in the Nationals, and when I was 14 I got my first British title. This led to being selected for the GB team representing internationally, which is where I began to be noticed by big sponsors and modelling agencies. I moved away from the UK when I was 17 and was based in Portugal between travelling, as the waves are more consistent for training. After a 2 year-stint in Bali I am now back in Portugal.

Tell us how you spend your average working day?

I usually wake up at 7.30 every day and have a coffee. I then go for a 30 minute walk passing all the surf beaches checking on the surf - I love to start the day like this it’s such a nice way to wake up and keeps me grounded for the day. Once home I would have some yogurt and granola or eggs with smoked salmon, then head to the beach to check the waves again. I am based in Portugal now so most days there are waves, but if not I drive straight to the gym and do a work out, or yoga, cycling or go to the skate park – always something sporty as I’m such an active person! For lunch I would usually have a tuna salad, soup, or an omelette, and catch up on any work emails and write in my journal. Now its spring coming in to summer the rest of the day would be spent at the beach, either in the surf of catching up with friends.

What inspires you?

The world! And all the things in it I haven't yet seen.

What’s your goal in life?

My dad always says ‘If your job is your passion you'll never work a day in your life’, so my life goal would be to keep working on my passions.

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness to me means having a positive, happy mind - for me that is to be active, look after my health and live a life surrounded by like-minded people. I love doing the things I'm passionate about.

What advice would you give to a person looking to change their lifestyle to a happier healthier one?

Do it now! we only have one chance at life, one body, so cherish it - find time every day to be active, even if its 20 minutes your body will thank you. The human body fascinates me, and it’s our responsibility to take good care of it. I always set fitness goals every week that I want to achieve, as competing with yourself makes you stay focused.

Tell us about your business?

Primarily I am a professional surfer and model, & I travel the world with my work documenting all the places I visit via my blog and social media.

Tell us your Top 3 Tips for Wellness?

Stay active, eat well and be happy. I believe exercise is the fundamental key to your wellbeing.

So what’s next in your career/life?

To carry on travelling, seeing & trying new things and inspiring people to become more active.

To find out more about Laura check out her website here lauracranesurfer.co.uk

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