Paddle boarders close encounter with Orcas

My dream of seeing Orcas (aka killer whales) recently came true. Watch as a friendly pod of 5 orcas interacts with me on my paddle board. This was filmed with my GoPro off the coast of Laguna Beach California last week. You'll see the whales come directly under my board twice. This was an amazing, magical afternoon.

Пікірлер: 341

  • @MrChrislj
    @MrChrislj9 жыл бұрын

    Rich, thank you for this! Your amazing experience shows these gentle and intelligent animals to all the world for what they are.

  • @NatalieH400
    @NatalieH4008 жыл бұрын

    this is where orcas belong :)

  • @brokenson100

    @brokenson100

    7 жыл бұрын

    no doubt!!!!

  • @annetteslife

    @annetteslife

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes exactly

  • @imthatguyeddie6315

    @imthatguyeddie6315

    4 жыл бұрын

    Damm Why are the people so damm close

  • @tyrondaneal7669
    @tyrondaneal76696 жыл бұрын

    I just got into watching Orca videos and falling in love with them. My heart stopped looking at your footage because you are right down there close to them in the water. I could never do that. I appreciate your video because you can and it allows scary people like myself to experience this. Thank you!

  • @Livinlaguna
    @Livinlaguna3 жыл бұрын

    The ocean couldn't have been more calm and serene? They seem to have been drawn to you, Rich! Such a beautiful experience. So glad you captured it.

  • @CaliKim29
    @CaliKim299 жыл бұрын

    Rich, what a great experience! Lucky you. Such beauty to see such a large animal moving freely and gracefully about.

  • @jerryprewett5294

    @jerryprewett5294

    9 жыл бұрын

    what a cool thing to do

  • @DFPBuildingServices

    @DFPBuildingServices

    9 жыл бұрын

    Awesome!

  • @dakotabob10

    @dakotabob10

    9 жыл бұрын

    That was awesome! I hate seeing orcas in captivity but seeing them in the wild would so cool!

  • @marinerfh66

    @marinerfh66

    9 жыл бұрын

    dakotabob10 Would be great to get in the water and swim with them, as they do in NZ.

  • @ThugMuffinification
    @ThugMuffinification9 жыл бұрын

    This is why I love living in California. What an incredible experience that had to be firsthand. We live in an amazing place here. Thank you for sharing!

  • @canadasweetie

    @canadasweetie

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, I’d love to live in California.

  • @KellieMcRaeHurricaneInHeels
    @KellieMcRaeHurricaneInHeels9 жыл бұрын

    Wow, scary beautiful if that's not an interesting combo :-) I would have been freaking out a little but so glad you didn't & was able to capture this amazing experience. So freaking cool!

  • @Katty1105288
    @Katty11052888 жыл бұрын

    This video is so beautiful. This is where they belong. ❤️

  • @capergal1360
    @capergal13607 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely amazing!!!! Love seeing animals in their natural habitat.

  • @ThisisDanBell
    @ThisisDanBell9 жыл бұрын

    Amazing. What an incredible experience you had!

  • @conpa18dany
    @conpa18dany8 жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear seaworld will finally stop breeding/capturing orcas

  • @StephenStanforth

    @StephenStanforth

    8 жыл бұрын

    +conpa18dany They haven't captured a orca in 30 years

  • @goji-chan1742

    @goji-chan1742

    8 жыл бұрын

    Their stopping shows to they are mainly now focusing on rescue

  • @user-vt4zc8oi6p

    @user-vt4zc8oi6p

    4 жыл бұрын

    they need to let Lolita GO HOME

  • @marcusnilsson2463

    @marcusnilsson2463

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@goji-chan1742 Really? Great news. That they are stopping the shows that is, alot of their "rescues" is mostly a front.

  • @savannah9174
    @savannah91749 жыл бұрын

    This is so amazing! I'm so happy you got to experience this and thank you for sharing it!!

  • @bakerXderek
    @bakerXderek9 жыл бұрын

    Majestic

  • @CrazyHominids
    @CrazyHominids9 жыл бұрын

    Very cool. My mother and three younger sisters were all kayaking with a friend of theirs up near Olympia Washington back in the late 1980's and they encountered a huge pod of Orca that they said swam around them and followed them for two hours. They said that that experience was the most amazing time of their lives. I had wished that I had gone on that trip with them, but I have had my own encounters with a Blue Whale in Laguna Beach as well back in 2005. And only only minutes before I saw the Blue Whale...a huge sea turtle swam to the surface only about ten feet in front of my boat, gulped some air, and then dove again and I never saw it again. But it was easily four feet in length. It was absolutely huge and beautiful! I love the ocean.

  • @ChuckCooper
    @ChuckCooper9 жыл бұрын

    Thank you sooo much. Raising awareness about these divine creatures is so important. I like to think of them as "The People" of the sea. Their intelligence and I dare say humanity may exceed our limited understanding of them. They deserve our respect and protection.

  • @cait7140
    @cait71407 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video and loved the introduction! If only everyone would realize that this is a billion times better of an experience than SeaWorld or parks like it. I hope everyone shares this video, because raising awareness is what frees this beautiful animals. Thank you for sharing this amazing experience and shining light on the wonders of wild Orcas.

  • @jessicadittrichi
    @jessicadittrichi9 жыл бұрын

    WOW! I would be both amazed and terrified at the same time! lol totally a dream come true though...Just beautiful!

  • @karendauner5034
    @karendauner50345 жыл бұрын

    What a transporting experience,a thrilling gift never to be forgotten! Thanks Rich for sharing it!

  • @mollystroot3908
    @mollystroot39083 жыл бұрын

    Orcas are so curious and intelligent. They even seem affectionate at times. Almost like they're trying win us hunans over with positive interactions. What a wonderful encounter with some fabulous animals. Thanks for sharing.

  • @HeyitsMarioDiaz
    @HeyitsMarioDiaz9 жыл бұрын

    its slightly interesting to see some of the comments. Though it is rare, orcas in the wild can develop collapsed fins. So the whale in the video is not necessarily a formerly captive animal. Also, looking at the paddle boarders youtube page, it's obvious the man is well aware of the risks. There is inherent risk in so much we all do. For putting yourself in this position on the mighty pacific to capture these moments, thank you. I will say I hope there is not a large group of inexperienced swimmers that try to pull this same thing off. Abalone Cove use to be so lovely until social media users turned it into a trouble spot for life guard rescue crews. People can be silly.

  • @Beaches_south_of_L.A.

    @Beaches_south_of_L.A.

    4 жыл бұрын

    There wasn't any collapsed dorcel fins in this video

  • @KingTimmahB
    @KingTimmahB6 жыл бұрын

    1:57 I would shit myself on the spot if I was paddle boarding and suddenly DORSAL FINS.

  • @leahsyl81
    @leahsyl81 Жыл бұрын

    OMG, that's so awesome!!! I don't know if I'd be a bit terrified or paralyzed with absolute awe and bewilderment!!! That would be so amazing! And you had a couple big males there. When the one swam up to you and glided under your board I was sure his dorsal fin was gunna graze your board! Amazing experience and footage. Thanks for sharing 💕

  • @stephaniea.1031
    @stephaniea.10318 жыл бұрын

    I hope to also make my dream come true of seeing an orca in its natural habitat! I refuse to see it behind glass !

  • @jordangarcia9265
    @jordangarcia92658 жыл бұрын

    Words cannot express how much I truly appreciate this video. Everything that you said is so completely true and the video itself is absolutely breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing this remarkable video. I am extremely excited to use this as part of my speech and paper.

  • @maxj.w2089

    @maxj.w2089

    8 жыл бұрын

    , yop

  • @brokenson100
    @brokenson1007 жыл бұрын

    I,m so happy your dream came true!!! they are truly a spirit animal for you..... you truly respect the ocean...... wow!!!! i,m proud of you my friend!!!! Orcas forever!!!!

  • @JasonGafar
    @JasonGafar5 жыл бұрын

    I love orcas but I feel where their true beauty is found is how they swim. I absolutely love the sound they make when they surface and draw air in. It's just so harmonious and beautiful.

  • @katiehoward9989
    @katiehoward99897 жыл бұрын

    My eye water just watching. They are the most majestic animal EVER!!!

  • @18swillis
    @18swillis9 жыл бұрын

    Wow! What an amazing, incredible experience! I got chills just watching. So glad your dream came true! Thanks for sharing.

  • @sallyromoser5012
    @sallyromoser50129 жыл бұрын

    "Wow! We got to see humans really close up today!" Such a mystical experience for you ... thanks for sharing.

  • @lucybonomo
    @lucybonomo8 жыл бұрын

    I really appreciate that you gave some information about these beautiful animals. Such an awesome experience and the only way to see these animals!

  • @brokenson100
    @brokenson1007 жыл бұрын

    can i like this video a billion times? no doubt in my mind...... in an alternate universe..... tillikum would have happily swam under your kayak..... you have enlightened me my friend........ maybe the best and most humble orca video i've ever seen!!!!! they totally respected and admired you man!!!! they vibed with you.....and their dream and your dream came true!!!!! didn't have to be on video, but it was!!!! and I appreciated it.....especially on January 6th, 2017...... RIP Tilly and I believe there's a brighter future for your pod and kind..... On behalf of being a human, I am sorry for my people...... May you swim with your family once again!

  • @dancingXXalone
    @dancingXXalone9 жыл бұрын

    I've always loved and respected Orcas and as simple as this video is, it took my breath away.

  • @wolfcruise
    @wolfcruise9 жыл бұрын

    What an amazing encounter !! I have worked with wild orcas for 6 years and we have had them under the boat countless times too. I love how GoPro is showing lots more encounter with these amazing animals ! and mammal eating orcas too ! transients! who don't show any interest in humans as snacks - incredible !

  • @fvrtar
    @fvrtar9 жыл бұрын

    My kids and I have been learning about orcas in science (we homeschool). The kids say that this is amazing! Thanks for posting!

  • @slimo7641
    @slimo76419 жыл бұрын

    Free orcas !!!! #Dontbuyaticket

  • @ronj5714
    @ronj57146 жыл бұрын

    You should carry a harmonica with you, I hear both dolphins, whales, & killer whales LOVE the sound it makes.

  • @ZacharyAbellaHTX
    @ZacharyAbellaHTX8 жыл бұрын

    The people on those boats must've been thinking, "Wow, this guy is only on a paddle board while there 5 orcas nearby... His balls must hang low to the ground. Bad ass, even." hahaha Great vid! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • @Engelverse
    @Engelverse7 жыл бұрын

    One time I was in waters about 4 1/2-5 feet deep and a dolphin came almost within range of me touching it, it was amazing. I kind of know how you felt here. It is awesome being able to see these animals in the wild. I also am going to pursue a career in marine biology, which made this video very enjoyable for me. Thanks for uploading ye lucky bastard!

  • @robinsandl
    @robinsandl6 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful captures!! Lovely video - Thanks for sharing!!

  • @kigut7443
    @kigut74436 жыл бұрын

    nature has blessed you!

  • @alexacapri827
    @alexacapri8279 жыл бұрын

    Amazing! I would love to experience seeing Orcas in the Wild.

  • @Devisalive
    @Devisalive6 жыл бұрын

    Good lord... The view, the elegance of the orcas, the silence.. my dream

  • @Thecyclingeconomicsdoc
    @Thecyclingeconomicsdoc9 жыл бұрын

    MIND BLOWING EXPERIENCE!!! I'm in total awe! I've been in that same area on my kayak... never would've dreamed of seeing a pod of Orcas! Phenomenal.

  • @mickiew30
    @mickiew309 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It must have been truly amazing.

  • @melaniexoxo
    @melaniexoxo9 жыл бұрын

    PETA shared this vid on Twitter, BTW. I'm so glad they did.

  • @breanneallmaras7463
    @breanneallmaras74635 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely incredible. What a life changing experience. Thanks for sharing! :)

  • @anthonyvespia6662
    @anthonyvespia66623 жыл бұрын

    So beautiful..Brings happy tears to me. Seeing them in there oceans, happy with there family's..🙏

  • @MermaidLinden
    @MermaidLinden8 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful :) Wise souls they are...... love it, +RichGerman !

  • @fayskelley
    @fayskelley3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. You are so fortunate!! ❤️💙💚🤎🧡💜💙💛❤️

  • @meganmurphy7100
    @meganmurphy71009 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your footage !!

  • @MsRaspberry86
    @MsRaspberry867 жыл бұрын

    she/he is saying hello to you by swimming under your board. how great to experience this. thanks for sharing this peaceful video. :D

  • @kryssadito279
    @kryssadito2799 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for sharing this magical experience!

  • @dakal5396
    @dakal53968 жыл бұрын

    Who wouldn't go crazy from being yanked away from a peaceful tranquil heavenly vision like this and thrown into a nonstop roaring Shamu stadium for the rest of friggin' lives. I feel sorry for orcas in captivity, they just don't belong in there like that. They don't get a retirement leave or nothing, just die. This shit ain't right.

  • @mymak-jq1hy

    @mymak-jq1hy

    5 жыл бұрын

    Dakσтa Lσνє They haven’t done that for decades. Sea World breeds their orcas. They’ve never been in the wild and wouldn’t survive long.

  • @annetteslife

    @annetteslife

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@mymak-jq1hy actually there is a SeaWorld in China or Japan and they still illegally capture whales from their natural environment.

  • @bluesysaxman
    @bluesysaxman7 жыл бұрын

    Thank be an you for sharing. I would love to experience an Orca encounter like you had. I spent 5 years in the Navy in the 80s. I once saw Porpoises in the Indian Ocean playing in the wake of the aircraft carrier I was on. That was the only encounter I had with aquatic mammals. Tony

  • @AKartes
    @AKartes9 жыл бұрын

    That gave me chills. That was too cool. They are so beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your experience.

  • @mallorybaack3958
    @mallorybaack39589 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful video of wild animals actually being in the wild where they belong. Love it!!

  • @headbangermom
    @headbangermom9 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you!

  • @stevenroys
    @stevenroys9 жыл бұрын

    Wow - so cool Rich! Thanks for posting this amazing video.

  • @balboaislandca
    @balboaislandca8 жыл бұрын

    so awesome man. a story you will tell again and again!

  • @fameviolet4294
    @fameviolet42945 жыл бұрын

    I love Orcas living free in the wild (: I always see pod of dolphins playing along when I’m sailing in the ferry ship here in Philippines, someday I’ll see this wonderful creations as well free on their environment from the right distance for respect and not to harm them, one of my bucket list.

  • @paetynparman8896
    @paetynparman88967 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful transient pod

  • @pauleyd80

    @pauleyd80

    4 жыл бұрын

    Paetyn Parman Glad you confirmed that, I thought they were transients. Dorsal gives them away.

  • @TyaRedRoseFamilyVlogs3
    @TyaRedRoseFamilyVlogs39 жыл бұрын

    I can not thank you enough for this video! My number one goal, fantasy, dream in life is to see Orcas, close up in the wild! I love them more then words can say!

  • @suziephillips2320
    @suziephillips23206 жыл бұрын

    Such gorgeous animals! So curious about anyone or anything "new" in there environment!!!

  • @angelaphipps6463
    @angelaphipps64633 жыл бұрын

    What an amazing experience to be able to see. That's beautiful nature. I love Orcas. ❤. Makes me wonder if this is J Pod.

  • @charlieturgeon7997
    @charlieturgeon79978 жыл бұрын

    This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

  • @lauragriffin6512
    @lauragriffin65123 жыл бұрын

    Such beautiful creatures. That one was checking out the paddleboarder, for sure.

  • @rhondaclayton3874
    @rhondaclayton38743 жыл бұрын

    Wow, how Awesome!! Thank you for a fabulous video!! ❤

  • @SailingBlueBird
    @SailingBlueBird9 жыл бұрын

    WOW, thats close encounter. Great shots you got there and I like your introduction. COOL!

  • @DavidBourne
    @DavidBourne9 жыл бұрын

    Jimi would appreciate that board graphic right now! "Butterflies and Zebras, and Orca Whales, Thats all she talks about"!

  • @JanuarieTimewalker13
    @JanuarieTimewalker139 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video, thank you for posting!!!

  • @canadasweetie
    @canadasweetie3 жыл бұрын

    Great video! It is cool that you have seen all types of marine life- but you are right there is something about Orcas. They are beautiful, graceful and gentle around people in the wild which is wild as you consider they are the Apex predator of the sea. You are lucky to have seen Orca that close.

  • @JimFrisbee
    @JimFrisbee9 жыл бұрын

    Great video Rich! Must have been a little intimidating when the one Orca was heading straight for you (when you got down on your knees). Almost like they were playing with you. Really cool, thanks for sharing that!

  • @kayleevandefeniks5354
    @kayleevandefeniks53549 жыл бұрын

    So beautiful and majestic. This is exactly why we "don't" need attractions like sea world...

  • @jamesestrada7466
    @jamesestrada74668 жыл бұрын

    WHY PEOPLE FUCKEN DISLIKE THIS, THIS VID IS AWESOME

  • @sean5520

    @sean5520

    6 жыл бұрын

    James Estrada it's whale hunters and Sea world people that gave it a thumbs down lol

  • @imthatguyeddie6315

    @imthatguyeddie6315

    4 жыл бұрын

    Bro How Was It Awsome🤣🤣

  • @nolananderson4197

    @nolananderson4197

    4 жыл бұрын

    It was kinda awesome not gonna lie

  • @tannerchamberlain3367
    @tannerchamberlain33677 жыл бұрын

    This is Just Amazing, Such a special moment, very Jealous

  • @LisaHahnel
    @LisaHahnel9 жыл бұрын

    OMG. This is so cool! I had the priviledge of paddling with a gray whale just off the coast of SB last weekend - but Orca's take the cake!!

  • @kellydeal72
    @kellydeal726 жыл бұрын

    Awesome experience! Thanks for sharing!

  • @emmekej
    @emmekej9 жыл бұрын

    Amazing, you are really lucky! I've seen orca's once at the Strait of Gibraltar, will never forget that!

  • @jaynedoughnut
    @jaynedoughnut9 жыл бұрын

    this is awesome. i think this was the same pod my friend was lucky enough and finally able to see in Long Beach the day before.

  • @lovelylight1972
    @lovelylight19723 жыл бұрын

    wow how awesome , we have our boat at the Long Beach Marina and it’s been a dream of mine as well to see orcas how amazing they were so up close and personal they are so incredibly intelligent ! thanks for sharing

  • @krisgilmore6844
    @krisgilmore68446 жыл бұрын

    What a truly amazing experience I've wanted to do that for years they are such graceful creatures thanks for sharing mate well done 👍

  • @johndoe-is2xt
    @johndoe-is2xt8 жыл бұрын

    Wow, simply mesmerising, I could watch them for hours on my tablet, can't imagine being that close to them on a paddle board. That definitely took some cahonas to be that brave. There's one video of a lady scuba diving and swimming with wild Orcas. As for me I'll admire them from a safe distace, Iv'e had a healthy fear (unwarrented) of them since that movie from the 70s, the one were Bo Derek had her leg bitten off.

  • @angelah.3402
    @angelah.34027 жыл бұрын

    how amazing would that be!!! and dorsal fins sticking strait up not flopped over like sea world orcas!

  • @robincollins9564
    @robincollins95649 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful, Amazing. Thanks for sharing!

  • @LFRealtor
    @LFRealtor9 жыл бұрын

    Great video! The water is so calm, it looks like a lake!

  • @lisapecaskie4333
    @lisapecaskie43338 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video👍👍👍👍So lucky you were able to experience this👏👏👏🐳🐳🐳

  • @crystalkepler329
    @crystalkepler3299 жыл бұрын

    Amazing! This is one of my dreams, as well. I hope I get the pleasure one day. Thank you for sharing the video!

  • @AchillesZeppelin
    @AchillesZeppelin9 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this man! What a great moment. Have to say I'm pretty jealous haha.

  • @Orionsglow1
    @Orionsglow15 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, really what more can you say. Thanks for sharing.

  • @EnergyMedicineAlice
    @EnergyMedicineAlice7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing, Rich. You are blessed. I would LOVE to be that close to orcas.

  • @rubydragon1388

    @rubydragon1388

    7 жыл бұрын

    (-just thought i'd let you know, you're REAAAALLY not supposed to take pictures with tiger cubs...it's part of a huge abusive as hell thing that is pretty much one of the main dangers to tiger population. big cat rescue has lots of videos about it.)

  • @EnergyMedicineAlice

    @EnergyMedicineAlice

    7 жыл бұрын

    This was a Preserve in Chaing Mai. The Thai people took tigers and kept them safe for many years in this park. Yes, they breed them and allow people like me to have pictures, to make expenses. If not, there will be no tigers for the future generations to see. I don't know the details of their ethics. It was in 2009. HOWEVER< if you love big cats, There is a place in Atalla AL. same mission. but Tigers for Tomorrow do not breed. Its a retirement home for big cats and many other animals. The animal are loved and have big areas to play.

  • @joybolten1903
    @joybolten19039 жыл бұрын

    That is badass dude. I would have loved to see that (maybe not from a paddleboard, but a boat lol 😀)

  • @CaliforniaJazzy
    @CaliforniaJazzy9 жыл бұрын

    Take that SeaWorld!!

  • @patricktibbetts631
    @patricktibbetts6318 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful and free

  • @mariesmatlakova1867
    @mariesmatlakova18679 жыл бұрын

    Děkuji,velice hezké videa..

  • @missmayayum
    @missmayayum9 жыл бұрын

    So so so lucky !!!!! Beautiful footage :)

  • @concernedcitizen7413
    @concernedcitizen74136 жыл бұрын

    This was a really really great video!!!!

  • @mizretronik3535
    @mizretronik35359 жыл бұрын

    One day I too will see for myself these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

  • @realbirder
    @realbirder9 жыл бұрын

    Screw the Orcas, there's a bunch of Black-vented Shearwaters flying around!

  • @melaniexoxo
    @melaniexoxo9 жыл бұрын

    People on the boats? Jealous. What an exciting event. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  • @robinlynn5533
    @robinlynn55333 жыл бұрын

    Rich what awesome footage. Thanks for sharing. I’m so excited I came across this video. The place where you were sitting in the beginning is also so beautiful. Where is that place in Laguna? Breath taking . 🤗