Andrew Cotton is a big wave surfer from Devon in South West England. Our first Sports Talent Insight looks deeper into the sport of big wave surfing and discovers what it takes Andrew Cotton to surf massive waves and Awaken Giants.
Andrew Cotton is promoted by Sports Talent and is available for motivational talks, brand promotions, sponsorship activation and media assignments. Email info@sportstalent.co.uk for further information or call +44 (0)20 7993 2145.
AWAKENING GIANTS
Andrew Cotton never set out to be a big wave surfer. Like many talented surfer’s being brought up near the ocean, his focus and dream was to be a contest surfer. Reaching the top of professional surfing is a massive challenge. Andrew was realistic and honest. He just wasn’t good enough to compete at the very top level, but he still dreamed of surfing as a career.
During his first trip to Hawaii, Andrew’s eyes were opened up to the world of big wave surfing. Although an experienced surfer he was completely out of his depth in the monster swells of Hawaii. Scared and probably a little too gung-ho, Andrew became entranced by the challenge of big wave surfing and set himself a mission to ride the biggest waves around the world.
Big wave surfing it typically a winter sport. The biggest swells are generated by powerful storms from October through to March. It is not uncommon for waves in the Atlantic Ocean to produce waves surpassing the height of 5 storey buildings. Tacking gigantic swells is only for a brave few, but the number of big wave surfers is increasing year on year. Big wave surfing demands meticulous preparation, focus and respect for the ocean. Any error, misjudgement or complacency could lead to serious injury or ultimately death.
THE BIG WAVE SURFER MINDSET
To be a successful big wave surfer requires year long training and detailed preparation. A surfer like Andrew Cotton works hard to ensure that he has the physical stamina and mental strength to take on gigantic swells.
Mindset of a big wave surfer is vital. Wipeouts are inevitable. Surviving a big wave wipeout and coming back for more is part of the sport. Big wave surfers all face bad situations in the water. To survive takes years of experience and training. It is not uncommon that a big wave surfer is held down under water for a few minutes.
It is essential that a big wave surfer learns how to control the panic and anticipate the next set of waves that roll over them. As part of his preparation for such wipeouts, Andrew Cotton combines specialist breathing techniques with the relaxation and flexibility of yoga and psychology, to help him achieve a mindset to challenge and survive 60ft plus waves.
DANGERS OF THE WIPEOUT
‘Enjoy the ride after the ride’ was a phrase Andrew Cotton didn’t totally agree with on the 8 November 201. During a filming session for a new documentary in Nazare, Portugal, the dangers of big wave surfing turned into reality. A horrific wipeout that saw Andrew Cotton jump for his life, as the white water crashed down on him, shocked the surfing community. In what he called the “worst wipeout of my life” left him with a broken back.
After being rescued from the water on a jet ski he eventually reached the shoreline to the help of lifeguards and beach crew. He was then placed on a spinal board and rushed to the local hospital. It was there he was told he had broken his back.
Amazingly the accident has not put Andrew Cotton off surfing big waves once again. After 7 months of recovery he returned to the water, riding much more modest waves of 1-2ft waves. But the the big waves of Nazare remain on his mind.
“Deep down I’ve not said I’m not going to go back, but it’s one step at a time, It’s good to be back in the water, and the next goal now is get back to Nazare and some big waves.” Andrew Cotton
His story is engaging and remarkable and has opened up new opportunities to be a keynote speaker at conferences, education summits, networking events and in front or professional sport and corporate business teams.
Andrew Cotton is promoted by Sports Talent. For further information please contact us on +44 (0)20 7993 2145 or email info@sportstalent.co.uk