Big Wave Surfer Andrew Cotton is Ready to Surf the Biggest Wave Ever

Big wave surfing is one of the most popular surfing styles and it is definitely the most spectacular. For big wave surfing, the waves need to be at least 20 feet tall, but for most big wave surfers, 20 foot waves are a child’s play. In January 2013, Hawaiian big wave surfer, Garrett McNamara, broke the world record for largest wave ever surfed; it was estimated to be 100 foot tall and the event took place in Nazaré, Portugal, a big surfer’s paradise. The holder of the previous 78 foot wave record from 2012? McNamara, himself! 

This is where Andrew Cotton comes in – he plans to break this record, as he says “I'm always working towards [my goals] and […] one is always to surf the biggest wave ever; hopefully this year I'll achieve that.” So, who is Andrew Cotton and why are his ambitions set so high?

Tips for Set Waves | Where to Sit in the Lineup to Catch Waves, not Wipeouts

By Rick Bickerstaff 
Have you ever been sitting in the lineup and waiting for a set when, out of nowhere, a giant bulge of water comes at you like a miniature tsunami? You're in line for a normal set, but this is something different, breaking farther out and bigger; and so you have to make a split-second decision to either paddle and beat the wave, or sit and duck dive six feet of white water, a real life choose-your-own-adventure.

Standout approaching! (photo: @jinheejoung)

Surfing Big Waves | Pride Comes Before You Wipe Out...

By Rick Bickerstaff

They say pride comes before a fall...but they didn't mention anything about the washing machine tumult after the fall, followed by gasping for air and a long swim in.

A large storm swell has been hitting Southern California, with waves in the 20+ foot range at some breaks. My friends and I shared bloated surf reports through texts and social media the week leading up to it, excited for the potential glory ahead. But deep down, a tiny nagging worry was there in the pit of my stomach asking if I could handle it. Of course I could handle it...right?

Photo courtesy of Brian Esquivel.

How to Survive a Big Wave Wipeout | 3 Tips for Surfers

By Natasha Hamilton

Everyone will suffer several wipeouts.  It is part of paying your dues to surf.  Some wipeouts will be horrific and others will be funny bordering on silly.  In fact, the wipeout factor is the reason most veteran surfers love to take out newbies.  Rookie wipeouts provide some serious comic relief.  

even Kelly Slater wipes out

All kidding aside,  before you unstrap your board from your car surf rack, you need to understand that surviving big wave wipeouts is a little bit different than managing medium to small wave wipeouts.  

Training for Big Wave Surfing

By Natasha Hamilton

Surfing big waves is fun and scary all in the exact same moment.   The difference between surfing and big wave surfing is the same as the difference between being in little league or being in the pros.  

You can die or be seriously injured surfing big waves.  Mark Foo’s death at Mavericks and more recently Maya Gaberia’s accident at Nazare are prime examples of what can happen when you charge the dragon.  If you are going to pull your board off your car surf rack and tear into some big surf, you've got to make sure you're ready.  

To surf big waves, you will need to meet the following MINIMUM requirements:

(1) Swim at least 1 mile in open water

(2) Prone paddle your board at least 5 miles

(3) Hold your breath underwater with your eyes closed for at least 1 minute