A scaled-down ground search today will concentrate on the rugged coast around Murnanes Bay where David Scheen, 39, was last seen.

He set out on a surf ski training session at 12.30 pm Monday intending to paddle 20 kilometres to Peterborough.

His craft, life vest, hat and mobile phone were found nearby. It is believed the experienced sportsman was thrown off his ski in rough waves.

An easterly current and treacherous seas have prevented searchers from launching boats close to the jagged coastline.

Search co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Paul Hargreaves yesterday said it was hoped waves would be calmer by the weekend.

He said the police water squad had returned to Melbourne yesterday afternoon after being unable to launch their craft.

Fisheries department craft are on standby for the weekend.

Helicopter sweeps were done yesterday along the coastline between Peterborough and Warrnambool as well as ground searches by SES members from Warrnambool, Portland and Cobden.

SES controller Gerry Billings said Port Campbell members would continue the search today and during the weekend.

Mr Billings and Senior Sergeant Hargreaves praised the generosity of the Peninsula helicopter service which offered its time and fuel to join the air search Wednesday and yesterday.