For most engineering problems, Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approaches are still the paradigm due to their affordable computational cost. However, for two-phase turbulence, classical models (e.g., k − ε, k − ω) fail near large-scale interfaces and must be corrected, even for simple problems. However, depending on the turbulence characteristics, the free-surface can also return kinetic energy back into the flow at specific scales. Leveraging advances in numerical methods for two-phase flows, we will report Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) for strong free-surface turbulence (SFST). The flow is statistically stationary and uncorrelated snapshots in time are saved for purposes of ensemble-averaging. We perform a statistical characterization of different quantities at the free-surface including elevation, curvature, vorticity and its normal flux. Interpolating such quantities onto a 2D map allows for spectral and image-based post-processing. By analyzing the local interfacial strain rate (see for example [1]), we provide new insights into the TKE exchange across scales. Stretching of the free-surface appears to be linked to wider structures, while compression regions are associated with elongated ridges or ”scars” which return kinetic energy back into the flow. This is confirmed by performing a 3D phase-based wavelet analysis, where the spatial domain is decomposed into liquid, gas and interfacial subdomains [2]. While it is known that for interfacial flows surface tension adds TKE at the smallest scales, this is also observed in our results for SFST, even in the limit of infinite Weber number (We). This injection of TKE at the small scales is strongest in regions of high interface curvature, and is likely tied to the kinematic and dynamic boundary conditions at the free-surface. We will present results for a variety of Reynolds, Froude and Weber numbers.