334 - Richard Kotch - Surf Splendor

Richard Kotch is a surf photographer and 50% of the dynamic surf guiding duo on the Maldivian island of Hudhuranfushi, along side his wife (and last week’s podcast guest) Amy Kotch. Richard explains his early surf experiences that primed him for surf guiding, the challenges of island life, and how to continually improve your surfing into your 50s. Enjoy!

Follow @Richard_Kotch and RichardKotchPhotography.com

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Post surf snuggles, a couple nights ago at #lohis ??
A post shared by Richard Kotch (@richard_kotch) on Jul 18, 2020 at 7:36pm PDT

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She knows I’m her biggest fan, but I’m so proud to see Amy @vit_sea_mumma on the cover of this beautiful book about the women of the waves by @theseakin This shot was taken during a magical evening session at #ppass on a day that had started with perfect conditions early on, but then quickly deteriorated with some radical storms smashing us as we sat in the boat shivering. Half of our crew took an early boat back to the camp and got on the beers….those who stayed put were rewarded when the clouds suddenly cleared, the wind swung offshore and the swell pulsed. Amy got straight out there and showed how much she enjoys the fine art of backside tube riding. ???? @pohnpei_surf_club
A post shared by Richard Kotch (@richard_kotch) on Jun 17, 2020 at 4:59am PDT

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Yesterday morning. First surf on a fresh @dahlbergsurfboards 6’0 that had somehow sat unloved in a board bag for 8 months. #lifeatlohis ? @mermaid_yogi Ps. MSW gave yesterday a measly 2 ??
A post shared by Richard Kotch (@richard_kotch) on May 13, 2020 at 3:36am PDT

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Ten years ago today, I married the girl of my dreams. My words will never be enough to truly express my emotions, but thank you @amy_kotch – you’ve opened my heart to a world I never knew, giving me the gift of the opportunity to live and love to a level I could never have experienced without you. Before we met I had spent years pondering the ’meaning of life’ question. I can now say with clarity and honestly, that you have not only given me the best years of my life and a wonderful son, but you have also given me the answer. ??
A post shared by Richard Kotch (@richard_kotch) on Nov 20, 2019 at 3:17pm PST

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Crystal lips and head dips on an old favorite @dahlbergsurfboards at an old favorite wave here in the Maldives #lifeatlohis
A post shared by Richard Kotch (@richard_kotch) on May 2, 2019 at 5:13am PDT

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Shaun Tomson on the art of tube riding; “surfers who dedicate their lives to tube riding, understand that it’s the subtle body movements that are important, believe me, even your fingers make a difference whilst you are in the tube” @stephaniegilmore with a creative interpretation of this ancient wisdom!! Zoom in????? #goat
A post shared by Richard Kotch (@richard_kotch) on Jun 3, 2018 at 4:16am PDT