Big Wave Surfer Nathan Florence Just Got 9 Stitches in His Face

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jade Eckardt | Last updated 3/27/24

The North Shore's Nathan Florence has surfed some of the biggest, gnarliest, and most terrifying waves on the planet.

Almost always, he emerges from the depths of behemoth barrels unscathed. Almost.

He's survived "absolute annihilation" at Ireland's Mullaghmore Head and endured other nightmarish wipeouts along the way. But after a recent session at firing Pipeline, Florence needed nine stitches on his face, as seen in the photos below.

Florence posted the pics above on YouTube Community and captioned them:

"Pipeline taking no prisoners yesterday! Face to reef, 9 stitches but the shnozz and eyes are all good ✅ got some nice waves before so was a good day overall! Ill be healing up team!"

Florence's gash is the result of a solid swell that hit the North Shore on March 25 that had Pipe firing.

Sources say the waves were 8 to 12-feet and practically perfect, with some bombs even breaking on the outer reef.

In addition to Florence, a handful of other local pros and rippers like surf legend Nathan Fletcher, Michael Ho, Mark Healey, Koa Rothman, and Mason Ho, paddled out to a lineup that was less crowded than normal and got lucky.

Fletcher scored what might've been the wave of the day and paid his dues too (just a little), with a broken board.

As usual, Florence's followers offered support. One offered a unique perspective:

"Sometimes we have to pay for the things we love. At least it was self wounded and not someone else's fault. I received a fin in the back of my head from someone pulling their board back to them after they fell right in front of me and I got seven stitches."

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: