A recent interview with Hollywood star Gerald Butler has revealed that even sought after heart throbs aren’t immune to the dangers which come with putting on a women’s or men’s wetsuit and hitting the waves.

We already wrote about the fact that the popular actor was filming surfing scenes for upcoming movie ‘Of Men and Mavericks’, which is based on the life of surfer Jay Moriarty. We also wrote that he became overwhelmed by the strength of the waves off the Californian coast.

However, now, Butler has recalled the events of his death-defying experience.

For example he can remember being warned of the impending hazard by the three other surfers he was with, before being swept up by the wave which reached a height of nearly 30 feet.

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show about the incident, Butler said, “Sometimes you’re only under for 10 to 15 seconds, but you feel like you’re under for two minutes, but this time I was under for almost a minute.

“They couldn’t get to me. I was underwater for a long time. I was in a very dangerous position.

“It’s changed my attitude to my job. I think I overdo it, and I find myself many times in positions that I shouldn’t be in. This one was the worst of all.

“I don’t mind taking bumps and bruises. It’s part of the fun. But you have to go, ‘Wait a minute, this is my life.’”

Photo © mikebaird via flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
The actor was taken to hospital as a precaution, but fortunately he was absolutely fine – although he is probably more likely to think twice before taking on any more surfing roles!

Gerald Butler may be hanging up his mens wetsuit for a while, but it is important for all surfers to remember the dangers of powerful waves and to think carefully before grabbing their winter wetsuits and making the most of the water.