Behind The Lines

by Nog

Tregenna Castle hosted a great little film show last Friday night which saw the Cornish debut of Andrew Cotton’s latest feature, ‘Behind The Lines”. An enthusiastic crowd of over 80 shared the thrills, spills and terrors of Andrew’s big wave challenges in a documentary which also gave a detailed insight into the training, preparation and teamwork behind those challenges.

Before the main feature, we were entertained by a slideshow of stills from our Saturday morning Kids Club and a delightful short film about the work of The Wave Project, told beautifully through the words of some of the children who have blossomed under their scheme. We were proud to be joint beneficiaries of the evening’s fundraising with The Wave Project – who also share the Saturday morning attention of the St. Ives Surf School instructors with us!

‘Behind The Lines’ was filmed principally in two big wave locations – Nazare in Portugal and Mullaghmore in Ireland. It showed the behind-the-scenes preparation  of the equipment and the jet ski teams, the study of weather charts and forecasts to predict local swells and how the team assembles from the various part of the globe they call home when “it’s on”. We also got an insight into the physical and mental training that keeps Andrew in shape while waiting for the call. The footage of the wave-riding itself was awe-inspiring – both the sight of waves the size of tower blocks being ridden, and the bravery and skills of the surfers and the safety crews in the water testing themselves in this hostile environment.

In an ironic twist of fate, Andrew had expected to be present on the evening to introduce the film and answer questions from the audience afterwards – but the weather charts came into alignment and Nazare was declared”On” the day before the show and Andrew flew out to join the crew for another big wave challenge. Fortunately, Minnow Green of the British Longboard Union, who has spent some time with Andrew’s big wave crew, was on hand throughout the evening and at the aftershow to answer any questions. I didn’t hear anyone asking where you sign up to join the crew!!

So – Many thanks to Andrew and Minnow, and to Tregenna Castle for hosting the show. Thanks also , on behalf of Saints Boardriders, for making us one of the beneficiaries of your fundraising and giving us a great evening’s entertainment!

 

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