Surfer survives massive wipeout at 'Jaws'

Hawaii-based surfer Tom Dosland has survived unscathed after being chewed up and spat out by a 12-metre monster at the infamous 'Jaws'.

The American island state is experiencing record swells thanks to an El Nino weather event and surfers are flocking to Maui's fearsome Pe'ahi break.

However, many will think twice about taking on the giant waves after Dosland's spectacular wipeout.

Eschewing the tow-in, Dosland paddles for the wave but loses his balance shortly after taking off, freefalling nearly six metres from the lip into the face of the wave.

The wave sucks him over the top and pounds him into the surface of the ocean in a barrage of white water.

However, Dosland was able to escape serious injury and, on the bright side, has done more than enough to jump to the top of the leaderboard for this year's wipeout award.