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Big-wave surfer & high-performance coach

Andrew Cotton

Andrew Cotton helps organisations build resilience, high-performance teamwork, and risk management confidence. A big wave leadership speaker, Cotton draws on world-record surfing achievements at Nazaré and Billabong XXL Award recognition to deliver transformative insights for teams navigating pressure and disruption.
Andrew Cotton, Speaker | Big Wave Risk Expert

Book Andrew

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Andrew Cotton's biography

At a glance

  • Big wave surfer riding waves up to 80 feet
  • Billabong XXL Awards nominee and world record holder
  • Keynote speaker on risk resilience and teamwork
Andrew Cotton has spent his career chasing some of the largest waves ever surfed, building expertise in risk, resilience, and high-performance teamwork through extreme conditions. A nominee for the Billabong XXL Awards, Cotton towed Garrett McNamara into a world-record 78-foot wave at Portugal's Nazaré in 2011. His work in big wave surfing has been covered by major international media, and he regularly speaks to organisations on performance under pressure. Cotton draws directly from his experience riding waves up to 80 feet tall to show how teams can function at their best when conditions are unpredictable. His approach is grounded in real decisions made in real danger, making his frameworks for communication, trust, and risk assessment immediately relevant to business environments facing disruption or rapid change. Audiences leave with a clearer model for building trust within teams before pressure hits, not during it. They gain practical tools for assessing risk without paralysis, and a more honest understanding of how setbacks, including Cotton's own serious wipeouts, can become the foundation for stronger performance rather than reasons to retreat. Book Andrew Cotton to give your team a perspective on challenge and collaboration that no boardroom exercise can replicate.

Andrew's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Andrew

Andrew Cotton's real-world credibility runs deep here, having towed Garrett McNamara into a world-record wave at Nazaré and built his entire framework around decisions made under genuine physical risk. For a team navigating disruption or high-stakes change, his approach to pre-built trust and risk assessment without paralysis is directly transferable and grounded in lived experience rather than theory.

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Andrew Cotton for my next event?
Email andrew.cotton@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Andrew Cotton for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Andrew Cotton's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Andrew Cotton directly.
What is Andrew Cotton's speaking style like?
Andrew captivates audiences with his thrilling stories of big wave surfing, emphasising teamwork and resilience. His engaging presentations inspire others to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks in life.
What topics does Andrew Cotton specialise in?
Email andrew.cotton@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Andrew Cotton for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Andrew Cotton's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Andrew Cotton directly.
Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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