Kiwi surfer rides out tsunami

Published: 5:05PM Saturday October 03, 2009 Source: ONE News

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A Wellington surfer has told ONE News how he escaped the tsunami by riding it out.

Chris Nel was surfing with friends near the island of Savai'i when the water suddenly drained from the reef and they were sucked out to sea.

"Which was quite lucky actually because deeper water I think saved us. If anyone had been caught on the inside of the reef they would have been quite seriously injured or died."

The group was able to paddle against the incoming current and stayed out at sea, only returning to the beach when the water had settled.

If you have any stories of the disaster, share them on the messageboard below, where you can also send your condolences to the people of Samoa.

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  • jaxlino said on 2009-10-07 @ 14:15 NZDT: Report abusive post

    anyone from the Satitoa village?

  • markservian said on 2009-10-05 @ 21:05 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Tai Taufua is interviewed in this story... http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/church-comforts-many-in-samoa-3048401/video

  • Liviyj12 said on 2009-10-05 @ 19:30 NZDT: Report abusive post

    i feel sorry fot those who have been affected.... i also feel sorry for Vai. he has lost so much of his family..:(

  • Micksta said on 2009-10-05 @ 11:16 NZDT: Report abusive post

    My heart goes out to everyone who has lost family member/s in the earthquake and tsunami. I know what it would be like, as I was in Samoa as the earthquake struck and I read and saw the devastating effects of the tsunami that followed, both in newspapers and also for real. I would like to say that Nuu Black Sand Beach was hit my the tsunami and is in a bad state (Not that much of an attraction now).

  • PurpleOlive said on 2009-10-05 @ 09:04 NZDT: Report abusive post

    I am so sad for all who have lost family members. We are humbled by how quickly lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you and I cry tears for your sweet babies. Your pain is shared by our thoughts and may you find the strength within yourselves to carry on, xox

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