We were going out on the ocean to do a downwind paddle like we have so many times for many years. I have carried my EPIRB since I started paddling just in case this day would ever come. Suddenly a fierce storm whipped up and angry wind and ocean tossed us into the rocky coastline. Big surf ensued, on a rugged jagged coastline. Our carbon fiber boats were broken to bits, and luckily we were not. Both of us carry ACR beacons and we fired them off. One of us made it to land, the other (myself) could not. Not only did help arrive, but also during the time it took for them to get to this remote area and get into the crazy ocean, I knew that all I had to do was dodge the rocks and help would be coming. That was invaluable because I had to conserve energy and not drive my heart rate and breathing too high in order to hold my breath when dunked under by the swell. I couldn’t be more grateful for my ACR EPIRB (and my life vest!) Thank guys!