Andrew Cotton
Salty Conspiracy Founder, big wave surfer and force of nature.

by Jim · Sat 31 Dec 2022
Andrew Cotton is a big wave surfer unlike any other. He began his career in the water at the age of seven, but wasn’t fully committed to surfing until 10 years later. Since then he has become one of the most renowned big wave riders in the world, conquering some of the largest and most notorious breaks on earth.
Cotton’s big wave career grew in 2014 when he caught a ride on a formidable wave at Nazare, measuring over 80 feet high off the coast of Portugal. This epic ride earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top big wave surfers and launched him into a long journey around the world in search of new and exciting waves.
Since then, Cotton has travelled to some of the most remote locations on earth with his board, including places like Chile, Peru and Tahiti. He eventually made it all the way to Hawaii where he took on the infamous Jaws break in Maui – an immense slab of open ocean where waves can reach up to 70 feet high. The energy generated by these behemoth swells makes for some unforgettable experiences and intense moments for those surfing them.
In 2018, Andrew Cotton suffered a major accident while attempting to ride the biggest wave ever surfed at the notorious Nazare break in Portugal. After being caught in a white wash and thrown onto the reef, he broke his vertebrae and was sent to hospital with serious injuries. Although he was out of the water for months, Cotton returned to surfing stronger than ever and continues to forge ahead with his passion for testing himself against incredible waves around the globe.
Cotton continues to push himself today, seeking out bigger and better waves every season. His knowledge, skill and courage have enabled him to tackle some truly remarkable reefs, earning him significant respect within both his own community and among surfers around the globe who strive for similar feats in their own quests for adventure.
For fans looking to get a better sense of this amazing athlete, Andrew Cotton keeps an active presence online sharing videos from his many adventures as well as tips for aspiring big wave riders interested in tackling similar kind of conditions. Whether you are looking for a new thrill or simply want to witness nature's awe-inspiring power first-hand, there's no denying that Andrew Cotton is one talented surfer!