Episode 002: Andrew Cotton — Top 5 Big Waves

Look out. Cotty going deep at The Right. Photo: Cain Salmon

My guest for episode 002 of the Looking Sideways Action Sports Podcast was big wave surfer Andrew Cotton who spends his time chasing waves at Nazare, Mavericks and other famous big wave spots around the world.

As somebody at the heart of the big wave surfing community, Cotty is perfectly placed to give us the lowdown on his favourite big wave spots around the world. Here he gives us his top 5:

  1. Mullaghmore

‘It was the first big wave spot I surfed in Europe, fun to paddle small but the bigger it gets the better it gets in my opinion, giant long tow barrels which can be really technical to ride!’

2. Prowlers

The original 2010 session that put Prowlers on the map.

‘Any natural footer’s dream wave but unfortunately very fickle. Get massive but also needs pretty much no wind or super rare direction for where it is!’

3. Nazare

Cotty is as comfortable at Nazare as anybody in the world. Photo: Hugo Silva/Red Bull Content Pool

‘Heaven and hell. Fun to paddle, fun to tow but this place is a team effort. Probably the most consistent big wave spot in the world and a great training ground’.

4. The Right (top)

‘I’ve only caught a couple waves here and obviously yet to have a proper kicking but I’m hooked on this giant right hand super slab. Can’t wait to go back!’

5. Belharra

‘Only paddled out here once, but had a couple fun waves and also a couple of horrible seconds being caught inside. Looking forward to another session out here soon’.

To hear the full Looking Sideways interview with Cotty, click here.

Looking Sideways Action Sports Podcast

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Uncovering the most fascinating stories in action sports and other related endeavours. Listen to the latest episode: www.wearelookingsideways.com

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