{"id":29705,"date":"2025-06-17T18:37:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T18:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oceansignal.com\/?post_type=survivor-stories&p=29705"},"modified":"2025-06-19T13:59:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:59:26","slug":"surviving-the-downwind-a-paddlers-story","status":"publish","type":"survivor-stories","link":"https:\/\/oceansignal.com\/us\/survivor-stories\/surviving-the-downwind-a-paddlers-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Surviving the Downwind: A Paddler\u2019s Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I\u2019m a regular downwind surfski paddler, out in challenging ocean conditions 3-4 times a week. The gear I use is compact, well-designed, and gives me the confidence to focus on my sport, not my safety. But yesterday, that confidence was truly put to the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While paddling an Epic V12 in strong winds, I experienced a partial rudder failure. The ski, notoriously hard to remount, became impossible to orient downwind without repeatedly capsizing. Alone in heavy whitecaps a mile offshore, I struggled to stay with my ski while burning through energy. Fortunately, friends surfing nearby saw me and came over, but even with their help, we couldn\u2019t get the ski stable enough to remount or paddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As time passed and conditions worsened, my energy dropped. Still, I stayed focused on breathing and staying calm, knowing panic would only make things harder. My friends stayed with me in the rough seas and called Maui Ocean Safety. But with poor visibility and big conditions, rescue was difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the lifeguards couldn\u2019t locate us, I activated my Ocean Signal PLB<\/a>. That moment gave me real reassurance \u2014 I knew the Coast Guard would come if needed. Eventually, OC paddlers on scene helped guide lifeguards to our position. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Otto, Rory, Matt, and the entire Maui Ocean Safety team, I was brought safely to shore. They even recovered my gear in those brutal conditions \u2014 above and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m deeply grateful for my fellow paddlers, the lifeguards, and the Coast Guard who were standing by. This was a humbling reminder of the ocean\u2019s power, the importance of preparation, and the strength of the paddling community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you all \u2014 you saved my life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As time passed and conditions worsened, my energy dropped. Still, I stayed focused on breathing and staying calm, knowing panic would only make things harder. My friends stayed with me in the rough seas and called Maui Ocean Safety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5773,"featured_media":29698,"template":"","survivor-stories-category":[18],"survivor-stories-cause":[43],"survivor-stories-event":[36],"survivor-stories-rescue":[44],"survivor-stories-terrain":[24],"class_list":["post-29705","survivor-stories","type-survivor-stories","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","survivor-stories-category-water-sports","survivor-stories-cause-weather","survivor-stories-event-wind","survivor-stories-rescue-coast-guard","survivor-stories-terrain-ocean"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nSurfski Rescue Off Maui: How Safety Gear, Teamwork, and LifeguardsSurviving the Downwind: A Paddler\u2019s Story<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A seasoned surfski paddler recounts a harrowing rescue after a rudder failure in high winds off Maui. 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