The key was to find the diamonds in the rough, actually that is always the key to Cotillo, and if you pick the right wave then you learn why the wave is so highly rated. We were lucky that the wind was pretty strong, I was on my 4.5 Severne Blade and my new Severne Mako 84 litre quad. As with any trip to Fuerte’, a bigger wave board is always preferred as the wind is normally pretty light on the north shore. Windsurfing with Corky means that holding back is not an option, it is always a mini battle between us to see who can hit the ugliest lip, and this day was no different.
Straight off the bat we were both throwing ourselves into some kit destroying bowls but with a limited amount of masts and sails in my hire car I knew I had to be a little selective! It turned out to be one of my best sessions at Cotillo with some big aerials, 360’s and even a few carve bowls, which is rare at Cotillo. It was great to sail with Iballa and north shore legends Stephane Etienne and Nicole Boronat. The locals in Fuerte’ are super friendly but deserve respect, show that respect and they will show you the love!
If my tales of bone crushing waves at Cotillo frighten you off then don’t despair, as Cotillo can also be user-friendly, below head high and at high tide the wave mellows out a lot, and this is what makes it a very popular break in the summer months when the wind is stronger and the waves are smaller. In the summer I usually sail Punta Blanca on the north shore track, it is a pretty fun starboard tack jumping spot, nothing too radical other than some sharp volcanic lava to launch from, but once on the water, lots of fun!