Mason Barnes, the 31-year-old big-wave surfer from Wilmington, North Carolina, faced a daunting winter after a devastating injury threatened to derail his season. But after months of grueling rehabilitation and the right timing, Barnes returned to Ireland’s Mullaghmore for a triumphant and memorable ride in the 2025 Big Wave Challenge.
The injury occurred on November 26, 2024, during Nazaré’s infamous swells. Barnes suffered a Grade 3 tear of his medial collateral ligament (MCL) after a wipeout that saw him fall roughly 30 feet, landing hard with his foot locked in the board’s straps.
“I tore my MCL trying an air at Nazaré,” Barnes recounted. “Normally, I’d just fall on my side, but my front foot stayed stuck in the strap and I landed full impact with my leg extended. It was the most painful injury I’ve ever felt.”
A Grade 3 MCL tear typically requires surgery and a recovery period of four to six months. However, Barnes was determined to finish the season. With the guidance of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Masi Reynolds and physical therapist Amy Schultz, he embarked on an intense two-month rehabilitation program aimed at returning him to the water without surgery.
“I trained every weekday for two months, focused solely on getting back in the ocean,” Barnes said. “It wasn’t glamorous, just hard work.”
By late February 2025, a promising swell appeared on the charts for Mullaghmore, Ireland. Despite initial slow conditions and limited surf, Barnes was persuaded by Irish surf legend Barry Mottershead to paddle out. Within minutes, he caught a cold, heavy barrel—his first proper wave since the injury.
“That wave was unbelievable,” Barnes said. “For about 20 minutes, Mullaghmore was firing like I’d never seen it before. Then it just stopped. I was so grateful to get that ride.”
Barnes managed one more wave before a heavy wipeout knocked him down hard. Thanks to his leg brace, he escaped with no further injury but knew his session was over.
“It clamped on my head, and I got destroyed,” he said. “I’m glad I had the brace. After that, I called it a day.”
Barnes’ journey from a severe knee injury to catching some of the best waves of his life exemplifies resilience and dedication — hallmarks of the big-wave surfing community. His return not only marks a personal victory but also sets an inspiring tone for the rest of the 2025 season.