Skip to main content
Donate

Video: Surfer, Kayakers Lucky in Humpback Whale Feeding Encounter

By Zach Behrens
November 3, 2011
Support Provided By

Venerable outdoors writer Pete Thomas today posts this video of yet another close encounter with a humpback whale in the waters of Santa Cruz, calling it amazing footage, but also "another example of how lacking some people are in the intelligence department."

Excitement over a pod of humpback whales hanging out closer to the shore than usual has drawn people to the area. Last week an amazing photo was taken of a lucky kayaker right next to two spyhopping humpbacks, but not all incidents have been visually documented, according to Thomas. A sailboat has been struck and one kayaker capsized in other surface lunges.

While it's not always possible to know when or where a whale will lunge-feed, one sign is to observe seabirds hovering an area of water to prey on food pushed to the surface. Boaters and surfers should stay at least 100 yards away to not only avoid risking a hefty fine of $2,500 -- or worse, injury or death -- but for the protection of these majestic animals.

Read Thomas' full story here.

Say hello: "Like" SoCal Wanderer on Facebook and follow @SoCal_Wanderer on Twitter to talk about latest in outdoors with other enthusiasts.

Support Provided By
Read More
In “Obet and Del’s: The Coffee Shop Changing the Game in Hollywood” host Rosey Alvero sits down to talk with coffee shop owner Heather Knox.

Sip, Snack and Stroll Your Way Through Thai Town and East Hollywood (But First, Coffee)

Explore Thai Town and East Hollywood with all of its delicious, boozy and vintage offerings. But before you start wandering, charge up with a coffee from Obet & Del's, a neighborhood coffee haven serving up café drinks inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
By Sandi Hemmerlein
In "The Tree Yoga Cooperative: Find Wellness in South LA" host Rosey Alvero takes a yoga class.

Find Flow, Practice Mindfulness and Engage in Self-Care at These South L.A. Hidden Gems

The Tree Yoga Collective is providing a self-care resource to its South Los Angeles community with a focus on equitable access to mindfulness, meditation, and flow. Here are some other South L.A. hidden gems for fostering inner peace, too — including a healthy dose of nature, plant-based cuisine and caffeine.
By Sandi Hemmerlein
In "Babes of Wellness: Working Out for Health and Community in Compton" host Rosey Alvero lifts weights in the gym's "Swole Babes" class.

Get 'Swole' at Babes of Wellness, Plus Other Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body in Compton

SoCal Wanderer host Rosey Alvero takes you to Babes of Wellness, an inclusive gym for women in Compton — where you can discover other ways of finding strength and power by feeding your body and mind.
By Sandi Hemmerlein