This is the extremely unusual occurrence of a surfer riding a whale!
While surfing in Hermanus, South Africa, an unidentifiable surfer was accompanied by a playful Southern Right whale.
The enormous whale was seen less than a meter from the surfer, having a ‘good time’ as they rode the same wave.
Dave de Beer, a photographer from South Africa, captured the unusual event on camera.
Dave, 50, was watching surfers practicing for a surfing competition when he captured the unique image.
He said: “This time of year, I enjoy watching surfers practice for the Dungeons surfing contest, and they visit Hermanus at this time because of the big waves we enjoy, which can reach up to 30 feet.”
“I did not expect to run into the youngster whale with the surfers.”
A surfer rides a huge wave
“The young whale was having such a good time, and he eventually gave in and went to play with the surfers in the waves, demonstrating that he, too, can catch tremendous waves, even going up to the surfers as if to welcome them.
“It’s always great to get photos of surfers during this period, and an even better bonus to observe a young whale interacting with them.”
“I often capture whales and surfers in the same shot, but it’s unusual to get them this close and in the waves with them.”
The whale joins in with surfers for a surf and swim
“They usually just swim past, but this tiny one was too energetic to pass by simply; he wanted a piece of the action.”
