Nine standup paddleboarders have been rescued after finding themselves stranded on the way from Squamish to Porteau Cove along Howe Sound Saturday.

Royal Marine Search and Rescue – Station 4 Squamish says it was called out shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday after the group found itself stuck at Zorro Bay due to inclement weather.

“The standup paddleboarders were experienced and in appropriate winter paddle gear,” the rescue service said.

“They waited out the weather for three hours, to no avail. They made the smart decision to call for help while there was still daylight.”

Crews responded and rescued half the group for transport to Porteau Cove, returning for the remaining boarders.

Royal Marine Search and Rescue is a volunteer group with members based out of more than 30 stations along the B.C. coast and in the Interior.

Anyone who runs into trouble on the ocean can call the group for help using channel 16 on VHF marine radio or call 911.