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High Stakes and High Tides: 'Rescue: Hi-Surf' Season 1 Episode 10 "Riptide" Review

Writer's picture: RachelRachel


The North Shore team returns with a bang in Rescue: HI-Surf Season 1, Episode 10, “Riptide,” and the stakes are higher than ever. From start to finish, this episode delivers all the drama and action we’ve come to expect from the series, and it doesn’t disappoint.


The story kicks off with a local islander, Derek, spotting an unattended ATV with the keys in the ignition at a beach house. He doesn’t think twice before stealing it and speeding off down the beach. However, while checking behind him to see if anyone’s chasing him, Derek accidentally runs over a woman sunbathing. In a panic, he flees the scene, leaving the woman in pain. Thankfully, bystanders immediately alert the authorities, and Emily and Will are quick to respond.





The tension really picks up when Emily stays behind to care for the woman, while Will goes after Derek. The chase ends dramatically when Jennings corners Derek, but not before he takes a desperate leap off a cliff. A lifeguard on a jet ski swoops in just in time, saving him from certain injury and bringing him straight to the authorities. That rescue scene was so intense—I honestly didn’t expect it to get that wild!


Back at the base, after all the chaos, Jennings makes a huge announcement—he’s retiring, and Emily is taking over as captain.


This was a big moment for the team, and I was genuinely excited for Emily. She’s always been strong and capable, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity for her to prove herself. But things quickly take a turn when Emily, eager to make her mark, overwhelms Jennings with a slew of ideas for community projects and team initiatives. Jennings, ever the realist, pulls her back to earth and introduces her to the less glamorous side of leadership. Her first task as captain—attending a city council meeting to advocate for a new watchtower—seems straightforward, but Emily’s emotions get the best of her, and she ends up shouting at the opposition, turning the whole situation into a mess. It was a bit cringy to watch, but also relatable. As much as I admired her enthusiasm, I could see how this would be a learning curve for her.



RESCUE: HI-SURF: L-R: Adam Demos and Arielle Kebbel in the “Riptide” RESCUE: HI-SURF episode airing Monday, Jan. 20 (9:02-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Zach Dugan/FOX. ©2025 FOX Media LLC.
RESCUE: HI-SURF: L-R: Adam Demos and Arielle Kebbel in the “Riptide” RESCUE: HI-SURF episode airing Monday, Jan. 20 (9:02-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Zach Dugan/FOX. ©2025 FOX Media LLC.


Jennings’ warning to Emily about the cutthroat nature of the captain’s role really hit home. It’s clear that being in charge isn’t just about passion; it’s about navigating office politics and making the right choices. I’m curious to see how Emily handles the pressure moving forward.


Meanwhile, back on the beach, the team faces another crisis when a family disregards multiple warnings about the strong current and ends up with their young son swept away by the waves. Laka and Kainalu spring into action, and the rescue goes smoothly, but Laka is still struggling with the fallout from being robbed in the previous episode. After the rescue, he angrily lectures the family for not heeding the warnings, and refuses to help the wife look for her lost heirloom ring. It was a tough moment for Laka, and I couldn’t help but feel his frustration, but Kainalu’s call-out was spot on. Laka needed to check himself before he caused more damage.


After some reflection (and a few rounds of surf polo), Laka realizes he’s been harsh and dives back into the water to retrieve the woman’s lost ring. His decision to make amends showed some real growth, and it was satisfying to see him come around. The moment with Laka was a reminder of how important it is to manage personal emotions, especially when you’re part of a team.


On a more personal note, the ongoing tension between Kainalu and Hina added a layer of complexity to the episode. Hina finally confronts Kainalu about their recent hookup, expressing that while she enjoyed it, she values their friendship more than any fling. I respect her honesty, and it was refreshing to see Kainalu take it in stride. He showed maturity in his response, and I think it’s a good sign for their future interactions.


Lastly, Will’s storyline took a surprising turn. After his emotional moment with Emily, where she confessed her feelings for him, Will begins to realize that his fiancée, Julie, may not be the person he wants to spend his life with. I’ll admit, I didn’t see that coming, but his quick reciprocation of Emily’s feelings—followed by a passionate kiss—left me wondering how Julie will react when she finds out. I’m sure this will cause major drama in future episodes, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.





Overall, this episode was packed with drama, emotional growth, and surprising twists. There’s so much happening on all fronts, and I’m definitely hooked to see where things go from here. Rescue: HI-Surf continues to deliver, and if this episode is any indication, the rest of the season is going to be one wild ride.



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