Surviving a rip current

[oldmansurfer]

New advice on how to survive a rip. Don't fight it unless it is easy. http://www.grindtv.com/how-to/riptides-currents-dangerous-think/#7MCuvIOyiqKJ10Wd.97

[pmcaero]

At least for us surfers, I don't understand how this contradicts paddling parallel to the shore, which is also supposed to get you out of the rip.
Yes, if you swim you have a 50% chance of reaching the inflow and being pushed to the shore, while if you go the wrong way you still have to paddle to the shore, but, being on a board, you can also rest a bit when you know you exited the rip.
I'd prefer to remain as close to the shore as possible rather than chancing with the rip, even if it's 75% in my favor.

[Big H]

I was lucky enough to survive a rip several times yesterday on my way out back......

[oldmansurfer]

I think the idea is this, 1) If you are strong enough paddle against the current and get to shore quicker, 2) If you are not in good enough shape to do that but still in good shape, paddle sideways enough that you don't get dragged back sideways and back into the rip 3) if you don't have lots of energy or aren't fit enough to do those two things then just ride it out and save your energy and try to call for help because there is a decent chance you will come back around and no chance that you will do choices 1) or 2). Of course this means that you have to be able to judge your fitness and the conditions and if you can't then choice 3) is the best.