Karl Stefanovic goes surfing in his suit live on the Today show

Karl Stefanovic is known for his headline-grabbing stunts on the Today show.

And the 45-year-old gave viewers a good laugh on Friday when he went for an ocean swim live on air while broadcasting live from the Gold Coast.

He waltzed into the surf wearing his suit during a segment about the upcoming Ironman / Ironwoman Series. 

After boasting of his surfing skills, surfer Jordan Mercer challenged Karl to catch a wave while still fully clothed.

‘He has really been bragging about these surf skills,’ she said. ‘The surf is only just big enough for Karl. I think we are going to get out there.’

An apprehensive Karl replied: ‘See the thing is, I’d love to have done it, but I just didn’t bring any gear!’ 

After some words of encouragement from fellow surfer TJ Hendy, Karl made his way into the surf and toppled over within a few seconds. 

‘Good on him for having a go!’ said fill-in co-host Leila McKinnon. ‘Look at him there in his clothes. It’s hilarious!’ 

In a post-surf interview, Karl admitted: ‘It wasn’t my best performance. The sea is pretty rough out there. I’d like to give it another go at some point.’ 

Karl’s light-hearted antics came after he announced that his usual co-host, Allison Langdon, had injured herself ‘badly’ while filming a pre-recorded segment.

Explaining Allison’s absence at the start of the program, he said the mother of two was in hospital after hurting her leg during a hydrofoiling accident on the water.

‘She had a bit of an accident yesterday, she’s doing fine. She hurt herself really badly,’ he said. ‘She’s in hospital this morning. She’s okay.’  

Hydrofoiling, also known as foil surfing, is a relatively new watersport. 

The foil is attached to the bottom of a surfboard and features a wing-like design that helps lift the rider above the water.

Balance is key on the board, and riders have to place more of their weight on their back leg.

As Karl updated viewers, dramatic footage was shown on screen of Ally being pulled from the water after her accident. 

The reporter was put on her back while wearing a life vest and helmet and dragged back to a wharf by two male rescuers.

She then sat up by the water and composed herself as Karl helped her take off her helmet. 

Leila told Karl that Ally had messaged her and seemed to be doing okay.  

‘She messaged me this morning at 3am asking how I liked the alarm, so she still has the same great spirit, but yeah doing it a bit tough. But she is a tough one,’ she said.

Karl noted: ‘We love you, Ally. We know you will be watching this morning or sleeping in.’

Later on the Today show, after Karl had taken a dip in the ocean in his suit, he said he ‘was trying to make Ally laugh and she needs it. She’s incredibly strong.’

Leila added: ‘We’re all thinking of Ally, obviously. We got a few messages from her this morning. She is doing okay. Thanks for having me this morning. I wouldn’t have missed that for the world.’