Justin “Frotha” Holland paid his dues royally over the weekend. The 38-year old carpenter from the Gold Coast flew into WA on Wednesday to chase the swell of the decade with good friend and tow partner, Jamie Mitchell. Justin Holland told Channel 7 news,“I felt like I got hit by Australia,” the 38-year-old said, admitting he had got “a bit cocky” after negotiating eight previous waves. The wipeout resulted in a broken leg needing two titanium rods to be inserted into his snapped femur. “When that thing hit me, it was literally like a bomb going off. We have a saying that, ‘If you wanna play, you have to pay’. I’ve just paid. It’s a pretty heavy price to pay but it’s rewarding.” We wish Justin a speedy recovery.

Film/Edit: mySURF.tv