Aussie surfer Jamie Mitchell tackles monster waves in Mexico

There was no shortage of excitement as towering conditions ensured big wave surfers were tested to the limit at Puerto Escondido, in Mexico.

Aussie Jamie Mitchell, 39, claimed second place in epic surf that topped out at eight metres.

Mitchell, an impressive ocean paddler, was once called "one of the greatest unknown sportsmen of all time" by none other than champion surfer Kelly Slater.

Kai Lenny of Hawaii claimed victory in Mexican leg of the Big Wave Tour, which provided the spectacular footage.

Under pressure in the second position, Mitchell flew down a steep barrel for a 7.22 to surpass Lenny's score.

The dramatic final continued all the way to the dying minutes of the heat.

Lenny, then in second place, found the exit on a massive barrel for an excellent 8.60 and the overall win.