Pro surfing has always had its wunderkinds, but the teen revolution has been in full swing for women surfers in recent years. A couple of years ago Erin Brooks won a CT at Cloudbreak as a 17-year-old wildcard, while 14-year-old Tya Zebrowski just became the youngest ever surfer (male or female) to qualify for the CT. Australia’s 15-year-old Lucy Darragh has also added her name to the list of teen juggernauts by claiming victory in two 6000 events (Nias and Taiwan) on the Australia/Oceania Qualifier Series. The results shot Lucy to the top of the regional rankings and ensured her place on next season’s Challenger Series is already confirmed. Lucy capped off the big year with a bronze medal in the U16 women’s division at the ISA World Juniors, helping Australia to gold in the overall teams event. While her results are irrefutable, we wanted to find out what else is behind the meteoric rise of Lucy Darragh. Check out the interview below.
Did you surprise yourself with the win at Nias?
I definitely surprised myself with the win at Nias. I went into Krui and Nias ,the first two QS events of the year, mainly to gain experience and score some good waves in Indo. I honestly wasn’t expecting to even make finals day, so to come away with a win felt pretty good and gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.
Obviously, you proved to yourself and everyone else it was no fluke by winning in Taiwan?
Yeah, winning in Taiwan felt really special and definitely helped prove things to myself. The waves in Taiwan are completely different to Nias, so to be able to adapt and still get the win meant a lot. I’d had a few really frustrating losses after Nias, so that result gave me a big confidence boost and showed me I can perform in different conditions against a stacked draw.
You’ve secured your spot on the Challenger Series. Are you already visualising those events?
I’ve been watching the challenger series events really closely this year and the different types of waves they surf. It is a pretty big step up and is obviously going to be really challenging so I’m training hard and working on heat strategies/scenarios. There are some super experienced girls on the challenger series including ex CT athletes, so I know I’ll have to step it up and treat every heat like a final.
How do you go juggling school with surfing?
I am doing an online school program with the Finigan School of Distance Education. It’s super flexible and allows me to keep on top of everything without falling behind when I’m travelling and training.
As one of five do you have a mobile cheer squad when you travel to events?
Growing up as one of five there’s always been a lot of support around, but when it comes to travelling it’s usually Mum or Dad who come along when they can. Sometimes I travel with a few mates who are experienced on the QS which has been so fun; I travelled to the Taiwan Open 6000 with Saffi Vette, Tayla Green and Charli Hurst. It was such a fun trip with these girls, and we all did really well in the event.
Your dad and uncle are great swimmers. Did you inherit that talent also and the paddle power?
Swimming and surf club was a big part of our family growing up, and I definitely feel like that’s helped with my paddle strength and confidence in the water. It’s something I’ve always felt comfortable with, especially in heavier waves.
Your dad says you have a solid work ethic? Do you have a training program beyond just surfing?
I’ve got a strength and conditioning program that I stick to around five or six times a week, and I mix in other training like running and swimming for cardio and overall fitness. Surfing is the main focus, but all the work I do outside the water really helps me stay strong and consistent.
Do you do surf specific coaching with anyone?
I do surf specific coaching with Martin Dunn mainly focusing on technique. I also work with Surfing Australia coaches Peter Rees and Amee Donohoe. I find surf specific coaching super helpful in my technique and improvement.
What drives you? Is it the prospect of travelling the world to ride different waves? Or do you thrive on competition and getting the most out of yourself?
Honestly, it all comes back to my love for surfing! Getting to experience new waves and travel to different places is a huge motivation for me, and being able to do what I love as a job would be pretty cool! At the same time, I’m driven to be the best I can be in competition and free surfing, no matter where I end up.
We just saw Tya Zebrowski qualify for the CT as a 14-year old . Does that inspire you? It seems age is no barrier.
This was so inspiring and she is definitely proving age is no barrier. Her and many other younger girls are really pushing women’s surfing and taking it to the next level which is so exciting.
Do you feel more nervous if you are competing against older, more experienced competitors?
I’ve got a lot of respect for the older, more experienced girls and what they’ve done in the sport, but once the heat starts it’s just surfing. I try not to focus too much on who I’m up against and stick to the plan and surf my best. If anything, competing against those girls is motivating and pushes me.
Whose surfing are you watching on loop as a source of inspiration?
I watch a lot of surfing, but some of my favourites are Jacob Wilcox, Matt Wilko, Owen Wright and Noa Deane. I love how powerful and committed their surfing is, and they all have really cool styles. I definitely draw inspiration from their power and innovation.
Do you feel that success at the highest-level means having a complete package of airs and turns?
100%, I think being an all-rounded surfer is so important especially at the top level. The championship tour has so many different types of waves such as big tubes at Pipe, right hand point breaks like Bells, and beachies too. Molly Picklum is such a good example, she is a crazy barrel rider, good aerialist, and has a powerful rail game. That really showed in her results last year. I think having all aspects of your surfing dialled can really give you an advantage on the CT and Challenger Series.
Doing well on the world stage is often linked to having a good crew to surf with at home. Who do you surf with on a regular basis?
I’m lucky to have a really solid crew at home. I surf with a bunch of close mates who push each other and keep things fun at the same time. There’s a lot of laughs, but when the waves are on everyone lifts; everyone steps it up.
Pipeline is currently on the Challenger Series schedule. How do you feel about taking it on? Have you spent any time in Hawaii?
I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, but Pipeline being on the schedule is honestly what I’m most excited about next year. I absolutely love barrels, and getting the chance to compete at a wave like Pipe is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a grom!
Are there a few waves around home, which can serve as a training ground for Pipe?
There are definitely a few waves around home that help. There are some really good secret spots around home, and places down the coast like Guillos and No Toes that can be pretty crazy on their day. It’s also really good to learn from some of the locals at those waves and watching their positioning and technique even if you’re not getting a lot of waves.
