The efforts of a kayaker who battled strong winds and heavy swells after she was swept out to sea off the south Wairarapa coast this morning have been praised by Maritime Police.
Sergeant Andrew Cox of Wellington Maritime Police said the 25-year-old went to check a crayfish pot about 500 metres off the coast at Ocean Beach, but strong winds dragged her 2.5 kms out to sea.
He said the woman, who was wearing a lifejacket, kept paddling to stay afloat until the police launch managed to rescue her.
Mr Cox said although the woman misjudged the conditions, she kept her cool and did everything right once she realised she was in trouble.
He said people need to be vigilant about offshore winds.
