DAVENPORT – Amid strong surf and looming darkness, emergency personnel were called to rescue a struggling kite surfer a mile offshore of Scotts Beach.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, a caller reported a kitesurfer north of Davenport Landing who was unable to return to shore. Cal Fire CZU responded along with the Santa Cruz Fire Department, California State Parks, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco and America Medical Response.

Upon arrival, Santa Cruz firefighters and Coast Guard swimmers paddled out to the surfer as the sun set, according to Santa Cruz Fire. Battalion Chief Josh Coleman said in a video posted on the department’s social media that the kite surfer was in distress, waving his arms and screaming for help when they arrived.

After darkness fell, the Coast Guard crew used a basket to lift the kite surfer and three lifeguards into the helicopter before transporting the group back to shore. The rescue was challenged by an atmospheric river that resulted in high surf conditions.

“We had about 15 minutes of light left, and then the swimmers had pretty significant swells in the water to access the patient,” Santa Cruz fire engineer Clayton Powell said in the video post.

No one was injured in the rescue operation, officials said.

When those in the water were airlifted, rescue swimmers chose to leave behind two surfboards and rescue tubes to “ensure a safe operation,” according to a Santa Cruz Fire social media post. The department is asking anyone who discovers equipment washing ashore to call 831-420-5280 to arrange for its return.