BIGWAVE S URFI NG
centre and point out foot holes for kids if I can’t see him, he will pull me onto the worst surfer or driver in your team.
trying to learn or they have the choice that sledge no matter what.There is a
to climb the biggest mountain in the definite telepathic link when we tow surf; When have you most
world.I chose the latter, except these we know what to expect and what we feared for your life?
mountains we surf are liquid and the want.There is no doubt whatsoever. It’s On the big wheel in Belfast and on a ski
Everest of big wave surfing happens to like a good relationship with a girlfriend lift in France.I’m not joking – I don’t trust
be in Ireland right now. or a wife.There should be no doubt, those things! I’ve been concerned on
just complete faith and trust without a big waves but not as frightened as that.
Do you need enormous thought otherwise. I remember almost getting sucked
trust in your tow in I have successfully tow surfed with over the falls at Mavericks because I
partner? Duncan Scott too but apart from those was late paddling over the face and
I will only tow with particular people. guys I have never towed with anyone that has happened at Aileens too. It’s
Cotty is the man for me in this sport. else wholeheartedly. It takes time to scary paddling on a big day because
create that bond and it is the most everything is moving really quickly and
important factor in a successful tow it’s just not possible to move at the same“We have been to hell
team.I believe you are only as good as speed to avoid getting hit the odd time.
and back and have
Al Mennie’s top 10 tips on how to survive andcome back stronger
succeed in big wave surfingthan ever. I know that if
they will never surf monsters because1. If you really want to do this then youI’m in trouble and even
they skipped the learning process. Iwill just do it, it’s not something youif I can’t see him, he
know two English professionals whoshould have to force.
will pull me onto that had never seen a 10’0” gun (big wave2. Listen to yourself, not the doubters.
board) before yet they try to tow surf.It’s difficult to go your own way whensledge no matter what.
6. Buy good equipment. I made myeveryone else wants to hold you backThere is a definite
own equipment at the beginning andbecause your desire is real and their
telepathic link when paid the price!true desire is to be intoxicated in a pub
7. Take safety precautions; you owe it totalking about their ‘desires’.we tow surf;we know
your loved ones to look after yourself!3. Be a risk manager not a risk taker.what to expect and
8. Take it seriously, it’s not4. Knowledge eliminates fear – learnwhat we want.”
tiddlywinks. It is life-threateningabout the spot, your equipment etc as
We have been to hell and back and going into the sea at anytime, letmuch as possible.
have come back stronger than ever. alone when it’s at its wildest, so do it5. Paddle before you tow! Honestly
I know that if I’m in trouble and even
wholeheartedly or not at all.there are guys who have bought skis
9. Watch videos; paddling into bigand are towing in who have never
waves is very different to small wavespaddled anything over 8 foot and aren’t
and there is a technique.competent surfers; I’m not joking! This
10. Surf with a competent big wave
rider.is completely irresponsible but also
OUTSIDER | June-July|37
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