Paddler’s lucky escape as rough ocean capsizes his surf ski at Port Macquarie

A Mid North Coast man is lucky to be alive after rough seas capsized his boat and threatened to pull him out to sea.

A Mid North Coast man is lucky to be alive after rough seas capsized his surf ski and threatened to pull him out to sea.

The 61-year-old was paddling his craft about 9.15am on Tuesday when he was hit by a wave.

The Port Macquarie local fell into the water, opposite Town Green, and found himself swept up in a strong outgoing current.

The incident occurred along the Port Macquarie breakwall.

Despite his life jacket, the man was struggling to keep afloat.

He began yelling for help, while swimming towards land, and was able to move to the southern side of Hastings River.

By the time he reached the breakwall, he was breathless and about 200m from where he first capsized.

NSW Ambulance crews treated the man on-scene before transporting him to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

By the time police and marine rescue arrived, the man had safely returned to shore.

The man has since been discharged from hospital.