A surfer in his 30s was in critical condition today after running into trouble at Waimea Bay during a high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Oahu.

Another surfer found the man about noon while checking on a board floating inside the break, said a dispatcher with Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.

The surfer was underwater still connected to the board by his leash.

A lifeguard on a personal water craft and lifeguards on the beach saw the surfer trying to make the rescue and helped bring the man back to shore. Lifeguards performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived.

An EMS spokesman said the man was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

The surf at Waimea Bay is about 10 to 15 feet, lifeguards said.