Big Wave Surfer's Training Secrets

Before becoming a professional big wave surfer, Andrew "Cotty" Cotton worked as a plumber and at a local surfboard factory to fund his passion. He spent his free time pioneering big wave spots in Ireland before his skills caught the attention of American surfer Garrett McNamara. Cotton's relationship with Nazaré, Portugal, began when McNamara invited him to be part of the first team to surf the massive waves there. In 2012, Cotton towed McNamara into a 78-foot wave that set a new Guinness World Record, cementing both of their places in big wave history and putting Nazaré on the map. A key part of Cotton's breath control training involves the Wim Hof Method, a technique he adopted to aid his recovery after breaking his back in 2017. This method focuses on efficient breathing and cold water immersion to improve resilience to stress, manage fear, and aid in both mental and physical recovery. His training often involves simulating wipeout scenarios, like doing breath holds in a pool with a high heart rate to replicate real-life situations. In November 2017, Cotton suffered a career-threatening injury, breaking his back after a horrific wipeout at Nazaré. The incident was captured on video and described as one of the heaviest wipeouts ever seen at the location. After a comprehensive rehabilitation program, he made a full return to elite-level competition. Beyond physical conditioning with his personal trainer Andrew Blake, Cotton's preparation heavily emphasizes mindset. He uses visualization techniques and simple nasal breathing to stay calm and focused before tackling giant waves. This mental training is about being comfortable with the uncomfortable and learning to control fear. To maintain his stamina and "water hours," Cotton has incorporated foiling into his training regimen. He finds it's a full-body workout that improves his ability to read the ocean, a crucial skill when navigating the unpredictable conditions of big wave surfing. Cotton co-runs "Surf Fit Life" retreats with his trainer in locations like Nazaré. These retreats are not traditional surf schools but focus on equipping surfers of all levels with tools for ocean awareness and confidence, covering fitness, nutrition, breathwork, and mindset.