Details
Event Details
We're thrilled to introduce Andrew Cotton, an esteemed big wave surfer known for his accomplishments as a World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Rider, Red Bull Athlete, Saltrock Brand Ambassador, and Ted Talks Speaker.
Cotty began surfing at the age of seven on the North Devon coast, shaping a lifelong connection with the ocean. He initially worked as a plumber and in a local surfboard factory after leaving school. However, his natural talent and passion for larger waves blossomed thanks to the diverse surf breaks in North Devon. As he ventured into pioneering big-wave spots in Ireland and Nazaré, Portugal, his reputation grew. In 2012, he gained global recognition by towing American surfer Garrett McNamara into the largest wave ever surfed, confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records at 78 feet.
Since then, Cotty has ridden numerous enormous waves, sparking debates in the press about whether some surpassed McNamara's record. In 2016, he participated in an Irish big wave exploration project documented in the short film "Beneath the Surface," produced by Red Bull Media House. This project followed his quest to find a colossal wave off the Irish west coast during winter.
In 2017, Cotty suffered a severe wipeout that resulted in a broken back, but by 2018, he triumphantly returned to tackle Nazaré's colossal waves, conquering any doubts or fears. In 2021, he collaborated with fellow big wave surfers in Nazaré, appearing in HBO's Emmy award-winning documentary series "100ft Wave" and in Saltrock's behind-the-scenes documentary "Comfortable with the Uncomfortable." These projects offered insights into Nazaré's community and the mindset required to excel in this sport.
This year marks the release of a new short documentary, "Edge of the Line," produced in partnership with Saltrock. It chronicles Cotty's remarkable journey as a big wave surfer, crafted by Nazaré's surfer and filmmaker, Luís de Sá "Ben." The documentary showcases Cotty's unwavering determination to believe in himself and pursue his dreams.
Presented by Saltrock
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