The Billabong Pro at Teahupo’o is always a benchmark event in the surfing calendar. It’s one of the most dangerous waves in the world. It’s fast, powerful, the drop-in is near vertical and it breaks over a razor sharp reef covered by a mere 3ft of water.

Yesterday’s waves built to a crazy height of 10 to 15ft, producing some spectacular conditions for the world’s best surfers to battle it out in round one. Needless to say, the wipeouts were equally as epic.

Here’s a few of the best shots from yesterday’s surf…. Keep your eyes peeled on Wednesday, a fresh south-westerly swell could promise more heavy peelers.