Some surfers compare big waves wipe out to car crashes. It’s a metaphor they use to describe the total lack of control during the wipe out, the violence of the impact and the injuries one can suffer in consequence.
Watch an example here: Wipeout: Is this the craziest wave ever?
Some surfers broke their back or their neck wiping out. Others had a shoulder or a leg dislocated.
But the worst thing that can happen is drowning.
Here is the testimony of Matt Meola, a professional surfer who was not prepared for big waves wipe out and almost died: The Jaws Of Death By Matt Meola | GrindTV.com