At just 14 years old, Chaos Crew member Kydon Legend Larrabee has already made waves in the surf world, winning championships, and chasing his dream of reaching the WSL. We sat down with him to talk about his earliest memories in the water, the role his brother Wynter has played in his journey, and how he balances being both a teenager and a dedicated athlete. Here’s what he had to say.

Early Beginnings

Q: You’ve said you were “born in the water.” What are your earliest memories of being in or around the ocean?
Kydon told us that some of his first memories are of him and his brother Wynter sitting in the thick fog on their island, waiting for waves. He laughed as he recalled the older kids telling each other not to let Uncle Gary know how far out they were.

Q: You surfed your first board before you turned three—do you remember what that moment felt like?
“My earliest memory on a surfboard is my good friend and coach Mikol Alvores carrying a board — with three-year-old me on top — on his head into the ocean,” Kydon said.

Q: How has having Wynter as both your older brother and surf partner shaped your journey?
“Having Wynter as my brother and partner has pushed me as a competitor and kept it fun as a friend.”

Discovering Surfing & Competition

Q: What drew you to competitive surfing, and how did your first contest change your outlook?
Kydon explained that his “burning desire to be as good as he can” is what drew him to competition. That first contest, though, was eye-opening. “It showed me that there was a lot more to surfing than my little island’s summer surf school.”

Q: Who were your biggest influences or mentors early on?
“Robbie Goodwin,” he answered without hesitation. “He shaped me as a surfer and introduced me to the competitive scene. He’s also the one who helped bring my surfing to the level where I could start winning contests.”

Q: How do you balance longboarding and shortboarding? Do you have a favorite?
“I balance them by choosing the right one for the conditions. Growing up on the East Coast, where the surf is so volatile — or turbulent — I think it’s important to know how to do both.”

Love for the Ocean

Q: You don’t just surf—you sail, dive, foil, and more. What keeps you exploring the ocean in so many ways?
“The ocean keeps me humble and hungry. I don’t think anyone really knows why it’s so addictive. It’s dangerous, but it’s also beautiful and gives you endless ways to improve. I love it because there’s no skill cap. There’s always more to learn.”

Q: Do you see yourself first as a surfer or a waterman?
“I see myself as a waterman. But in the list of waterman activities, surfing is on top.”

Q: What’s one lesson the ocean has already taught you at just 14 years old?
“Patience. It’s 100% necessary as a surfer and as a human. I think the ocean gives me a jumpstart on life compared to the average teen. Good things come to those who wait.”

Competitive Spirit & Achievements

Q: You’ve already competed at Nationals and placed in multiple divisions. What’s your proudest accomplishment so far?
“Winning the first East Coast Championship for both shortboard and longboard in over a decade.”

Q: How do you handle the pressure of competing at such a high level so young?
“With tools I’ve been lucky enough to learn from my mental coach and parents—breathing exercises, mindfulness meditations, and mantras.”

Q: Do you and Wynter push each other in competitions, or is it more about support?
“We definitely push each other and there’s a rivalry — but only in the water. Outside of that, we’re partners. We’re sooner brothers than rivals.”

What’s Ahead

Q: You’ve mentioned wanting to make it to the WSL CT in both longboard and shortboard. What steps are you taking?
“I’m focused on building exposure, competing, and learning as much as possible before leaving the amateur scene. Then it’s about grinding through the qualifying and challenger series to reach the tour.”

Q: What contests are you most looking forward to in the next year?
“USA Surfing Championships at Lowers. It’s the biggest stage and the quickest way to make a name for myself.”

Q: What’s a dream surf spot you haven’t surfed yet?
“Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia.”

Life Beyond Surfing

Q: When you’re not in the water, what else do you enjoy doing?
“We’re an outdoor family. When I’m not in the water — which isn’t often — I enjoy hikes and art projects.”

Q: How do you balance being a teenager with being a competitive athlete?
“I don’t, honestly. I’m an athlete who happens to be a teen, not a teen who’s an athlete.”

Closing Reflections

Q: What advice would you give to another young surfer just starting out?
“It isn’t always easy or fun. But every time it’s not, you’ll get stronger, and it makes the good times better. Bravery pushes boundaries. The farther you progress, the easier the hard times get.”

Q: How would you describe your relationship with Wynter in one word?
“Symbiotic.”

Q: If you could sum up your life on the water in one sentence, what would it be?
“An ever learning, sometimes concerning, but never boring experience.”

Kydon’s story is just beginning, but his passion, humility, and drive are already setting him apart as a true waterman. From patience to perseverance, he’s learning lessons from the ocean that reach far beyond surfing. We’re proud to have him in the Turbulent Mind Chaos Crew, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.

Share