These incredible pictures show the moment a big wave surfer took to the sea to conquer massive swells – just months after he punctured a lung partaking in the extreme sport.

Pro surfer Tom Butler, 28, has been tackling the biggest waves in the world for the past six years, in the process gaining a well-earned reputation and winning international competitions.

But, in December last year, Tom suffered a catastrophic fall during a competition known as the Nazare Challenge, when he slipped off a giant wave and the force of the impact punctured his lung.