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 It seems that being at Mother Nature’s mercy has worked well for Robyn Davies. She nearly drowned after being hammered by waves in Hawaii and she’s found herself swimming alongside sharks more than once, but these inherent dangers are what drive her. In fact, adrenaline has pushed Robyn straight to the top, where she currently resides as the U.K.’s top female surfer in history.
The highest-ranking U.K. female in the WQS 2003 and current British Champion, Robyn is a Euro-teamrider for the O’Neill surf team. She beat two-time world champion Paula Menza in heats in the past and is the only female surfer to be invited to the British-based Gul Cribber Big Wave Challenge. Plus, she went down in history as the first woman ripping on the cover of Surfeurope magazine in September 2003.
Most importantly, she’s vegetarian and also the first female surfer to grace the pages of peta2. Man, this woman’s cred just skyrocketed! Take that, Surfeurope!
 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I first started surfing when I was 13 – and before that I had never even heard of surfing – and was hooked from the day I saw it. I am sponsored by O’Neill, Shark energy drinks, Spider surfboards, and Extreme Sports Channel. I live in a small village in Cornwall called Porthleven ... famous for its reef break and pastries!
Can you remember what event or incident made you go vegetarian?
I have never tried meat. My mum is vegetarian and brought me up veggie. I was given the option to eat meat but have never wanted to.
The surfing world seems to have more vegetarians and people sympathetic to animal rights than most sports. Why do you think that is?
I think it could have something to do with the close relationship surfers have with the ocean and the deep respect they have for it and everything in it. The ocean is a mysterious and spiritual place and being immersed in it definitely brings you closer to nature.
Do you think being vegetarian makes you healthier or gives you more stamina as an athlete?
It doesn’t give me less!
What would your advice be for any meat-eaters reading this interview?
You should educate yourself about the process – and the impact it has on you and the environment – that your food goes through from birth to death to landing on your plate at dinner time.
Are there any animal issues that you feel passionate about?
Whaling, blood sports, and factory farming are things that deeply disturb me.
How do you prepare for a competition? Do you have any special foods that you eat to give you a boost?
My favorite food before a comp is bulgur wheat salad ... especially if it’s made by my mum!
Do you have any advice for girls who are interested in getting into surfing?
I would recommend having a surf lesson just to get started – a lot can be learned in one day that could take months to discover if you go at it on your own! Enjoy it!
Do you have any other advice for your young fans?
Have fun, be conscientious of others and your surroundings. … Smile!
For more information on Robyn Davies and other sports stars, be sure to sign up for peta2 E-News.
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