Australian surfer Bede Durbidge is set to undergo surgery on a fractured pelvis after slamming into the reef at the Pipeline Masters.
The 32-year-old Queenslander was taken to hospital after the heavy wipeout on his first wave in his third-round heat against Hawaiian Keanu Asing on Oahu's North Shore on Wednesday.
World Surf League commissioner Kieren Perrow revealed Durbidge had two fractures, one at the front and another at the back and needed an operation to stabilise the area.
Durbidge was philosophical about the injury.
"Definitely wasn't the way I wanted to finish the season," Durbidge said on his Facebook page.
"I ended up fracturing my pelvis and displacing it.
"I'm going under the knife in a few hours to get plates put in the front and back.
"Thanks to the water patrol and doctors at the event for taking care of me.
"Also my wife, family and friends for all the support and love.
"What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."
It was a challenging day for competitors as they had to contend with the force generated by waves of up to three metres.
Another Australian in the wars was Adam Melling, who also made contact with the reef.
Melling, who enhanced his chances of re-qualifying for next year's Championship Tour by reaching the quarter-finals with wins over last year's Pipe Masters champion Julian Wilson and former world champion Joel Parkinson, made light of his scrape.
"I got smoked, I'm feeling alright," Melling said.
"Bit of a bruise on my butt, but it's all good."
