CHASING MONSTER SWELLS FROM NAZARE TO IRELAND

Huge Atlantic swells mean only one thing. Monster waves. XT Crew member, Louis Thomas-Hudson talk us through his mission to Ireland in early November, alongside XTRATUF Pro Team member, Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton.

Louis Thomas-Hudson and Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton – Nazare to Ireland

With a huge swell incoming from the Atlantic everyone was getting pretty excited. With the chart looking amazing for Ireland but also very good for Nazare it was a tough call to make whether to strike mission to Ireland or stay here in Nazare. 

Louis Thomas-Hudson and Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton – Nazare to Ireland

Cotty decided that he was keen to go to Ireland and that I could travel over with him. We booked flights that evening for the following day. Myself, Cotty, Justine White, Ben Larg and Pina set off on the Strike Mission to Ireland.

Louis Thomas-Hudson and Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton – Nazare to Ireland

The next morning we met our friend Taz Knight at the harbour, hopped on a ski and out we went. We were the first ones out that day and it was amazing watching huge empty 30ft barrels rolling through as it was still getting light.

Louis Thomas-Hudson and Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton – Nazare to Ireland

The guys started towing pretty quick and we were out there for a 3-4 hours trading waves. Everyone got some amazing waves as well as some heavy wipeouts.

Louis Thomas-Hudson and Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton – Nazare to Ireland

It was one of the most perfect days out there and some of the barrels the guys got that day were insane to see. I was super stoked to get big set wave right at the end of the session. A successful strike mission for sure. Thanks to the local crew for sharing waves and the guys for an epic trip!

Follow the Pro Team & XT Crew:

Cotty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrew_cotty/

Louis Thomas-Hudson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/louisthomashudson/

 

Boots for big wave missions - Ankle Deck Boots