When progress is not perfect

Competitors at both the 2025 Moth World Championship and 2025 iQFOiL World Championship were recently reminded that, while their foiling equipment is cutting edge, racing can be limited when light winds prevail. But  worse than low-riding foiling equipment is a kite when it falls into the water.

Coast Guard Station San Juan and Puerto Rico Police marine units were needed on July 8 to rescue six kite surfers who were beset by weather off Ocean Park Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Coast Guard received a report at 5:17 pm that a group of kite surfers who were left adrift, between one to two miles offshore, after their kites reportedly failed due to a sudden drop of wind throughout the area.

Watchstanders directed the launch of Station San Juan 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement, alerted Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action’s marine component, and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to alert nearby vessel traffic of the situation. A Puerto Rio Police marine unit also responded to the scene.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard boat crew rescued two of the kite surfers, while the Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit recovered four others from the water along with their equipment.

“We appreciate the quick response and collaboration between our Coast Guard crew and our valued Puerto Rico Police partners whose assertive actions led to the rescue of six kite surfers just before nightfall and also ensured others had safely exited the water,” said Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin Foster, Coast Guard Station San Juan commanding officer.