Wavelength Surf Magazine – since 1981

Andrew Cotton Breaks Back After Brutal Wipeout At Nazare

Andrew Cotton in the hood. Image Rob Tibbles

Devon charger Andrew Cotton has taken what some are calling one the heaviest wipeouts ever during a huge tow session at Nazare earlier today.

A post shared by Pablo Garcia (@polikromia) on

The clip, posted by film maker Pablo Garcia, shows Cotty back-dooring a giant wedge,  before hitting the eject button as the lip begins to fall. As it lands he at first appears to have been eviscerated by the detonation, however milliseconds later as he is seen emerging from the white wash, being catapulted high into the air, before slamming down on to his back in the flats.

“We seldomly share footage while in production of a new doc” said Pablo later on his Instagram “but this just happened today in Nazare. While shooting GMAC’s return to Nazare, Cotty got the gnarliest wipe out we have ever seen! By the way, that is not the board flying in the air…Thankfully Cotty’s ok… He’s currently at the hospital recovering. Andy, the team and I are sending you all the love.”

Long time friend and Nazare pioneer Garrett Mcnamara also posted about the incident on social media saying:

“HEAVIEST LIP EJECT WIPEOUT EVER AWARD – The animal, Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton, one of my best friends one of the best people I know a beautiful beautiful mind a beautiful amazing human being. Andrew got hurt on this wave today, so everybody let’s focus on a speedy speedy recovery he says he’s fine just a little back injury nothing serious but we want to get that boy back in the water, so please everybody manifest focus and see him back in action in record time we love Cotty I love you:

Cotty has since updated us via his instagram story, thanking everyone who helped out for their professionalism, confirming that his back is broken but adding that it could have been way worse:

We’re very glad he’s okay and would like to echo his praise of the safety team for their quick rescue and of course wish him a full and speedy recovery!