'Rescued' surfer says he didn't need saving, but thanks anyway
Not all those who wander are lost.
It might be the kind of embarrassing quote your mum shares on Facebook, but in the case of a Japanese man "stranded" off the east coast of Australia, it's become oddly accurate.
As Mashable reported last week a 37-year-old man identified as "Toru" was discovered miles offshore after floating out to sea on a surfboard. He spent a staggering 16 hours on the open water before eventually being picked up by a container ship.
But it turns out, Toru had sort of always planned to float out that far.
In an interview with the ABC Radio the supremely awesome-sounding tourist revealed that he somewhat enjoys putting himself in dangerous situations.
"I wanted to be part of nature ... Scary is a very important feeling … I like to fight against scary," he said.
"Even in the freezing [water], I feel comfortable in my mind."
A professional lifeguard, he says he could have paddled back if he wanted to.
He did stress, however, that he appreciated being picked up -- as you would if you were six kilometres (3.7 miles) adrift from land and safety.
"I was so happy with the warmness and they give me a coffee and chocolate," said Toru in regards to those who saved him from the ocean.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Toru has stayed connected to the natural world since returning to dry land, living in a beach-front tent to continue living amongst nature.
