Devon big wave surfer vows to ride again despite breaking back

Despite breaking his back, Andrew Cotton says he will "come back bigger, stronger and better!"

The 38-year-old from Braunton was wiped out by a 60 foot wave in Portugal in November 2017.  As a result of the incident, Cotty fractured a bone in his lower spine. He was treated on the beach before being taken to hospital. 

He has been receiving intensive physiotherapy in the UK and scans show his back is healing well.

Taking to Facebook, Cotty said:

“I took my first steps (under the care of the amazing doctors) and that’s massive. I really would not be in such a positive place if it wasn't for the incredible support from everyone around me and all of the messages on social media. I've been totally blown away.

"I don't know why but the wipeout seems to have captured the attention of the mainstream media and it's forced me to really face what happened and basically get over it. It kept me weirdly positive in those first few days talking through it (although the pain killers may have helped) and that's a great place to start the road to recovery.

Speaking to the BBC, Cotton said:

"I'm going to come back bigger, stronger and better. It'll be fine and it will work out that this has been a good experience. It will make me think about a few things and make me a bit more focused.

"100%, I'll be back surfing big waves before you know it - by the latest October 2018."

Cotty told his fans on social media, he will return to the water in 2018.