After saving a man who was drowning at Sunny Cove beach in Santa Cruz, California, a 17-year-old surfer is now being hailed as a hero.

According to Wate, the local surfer did not hesitate to jump to rescue a young man struggling in the waves on Saturday morning.

The teen identified as surfer Zade Stone-Hinds, a Santa Cruz resident, had just gotten out of the water when he saw the young man. Stone-Hinds said that he got the guy up on his board when he rescued him and let him breathe.

The California surfer then advised the young man to relax as they need to face some sets of coming waves. According to Stone-Hinds, the waves were strong and about 6-8 feet high. In the middle of his rescue, the California surfer ended up losing his surfboard. But it did not hinder him from saving the drowning man.

Stone-Hinds said the guy was struggling a bit hard and could not "really tread or anything." The California surfer noted that the young man told him it was his first time swimming in the ocean.

Despite the challenges, Stone-Hinds kept the man afloat until help arrived. Swimmers from the Central Fire Protection District and Sean Rothwell, assistant harbor master, came to help rescue the man.

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Local Hero in California

According to Rothwell, the local surfers often are the first to help swimmers who are struggling and having a tough time in the water.

He further noted that most individuals who experienced the situation are first-timers in the ocean as they are not familiar with the ocean's current.

Rothwell added that they have plenty of calls over the years wherein their local surfing community renders aid. The assistant harbor master also admitted that they count on them.

Rothwell said the victim was brought to shore with just a few minor injuries. He thanked Stone-Hinds because if not for his quick thinking and decision making, the victim would probably severely injured, KRON4 reported.

Witnesses during the rescue, like Kammy Ryckman, called Stone-Hinds a hero. Ryckman said that Stone-Hinds was amazing, and the rescue was unbelievable.

Despite the praises given to Stone-Hinds, the California surfer noted that he was just doing what needed to be done. He added that he would not hesitate to do it again if a similar situation will happen again. He also said that he felt comfortable doing it, CBS42 reported.

Because his surfboard went missing during the rescue, people are now trying to raise money to buy Stone-Hinds a new surfboard as a way of thanking him for the bravery he has shown. 

After hearing the fundraising for his new surfboard, Stone-Hinds said that he was overwhelmed about it. He was also glad that people could see what everyone should do or act when something happens in public and "not leave people hanging."

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