THIS is the shocking moment a giant wave wiped out a top British surfer leaving him in hospital.

Fearless Tom Butler, 27, was taken to hospital after the spectacular crash during the Nazaré Challenge.

5 A stunning image captured Tom Butler at the top of the huge wave during the competition in Portugal Credit: Reuters

5 The 27-year-old is one of the top 24 big wave surfers in the world but this one proved too hot to handle Credit: Reuters

5 Incredible photos show the surfer in the wave just as it's about to come crashing down on his head Credit: Exclusivepix Media

Video credit: WorldSurfLeague.com

The UK Pro Surf Association posted a video of the crash on Facebook this morning: "Tom Butler getting punished at the first ever Nazaré Challenge.

"Unfortunately ending up in hospital but on the mend."#noballsnoglory'

Professional wave riders have gathered at Praia do Norte in Nazare, around 80 miles north of Lisbon, to take on swells reportedly as high as five storey buildings.

Waves were expected to top 45 feet this morning, reports Mail Online.

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5 It was reported that the waves like this which wiped out Butler were "higher than five floor buildings" Credit: Reuters

5 Butler was picked up and taken to hospital after being smashed by the wave - but he's described as being "on the mend" Credit: Exclusivepix Media

Praia do Nortete is one of the most westerly points in Europe. This means that the wind sweeps across the Atlantic unaffected causing the unfathomably large swells.

Butler, who grew up in Newquay, Cornwall, learned to surf on the famous Fistral Beach in the town.

He has realised his ambition to join the World Surf League's Big Wave Tour, which this year included the first ever Nazaré Challenge.

The tour sees the best big wave surfers compete at hotspots around the globe, with upcoming events in Peru, Chile and Mexico.

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