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Humpback Whale Almost Swallowed Kayakers in California

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Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Sorce: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

Two kayakers in California had an unexpected encounter with a humpback whale. The incident occurred on Monday morning near Avila Beach, California. What seemed like a peaceful whale-watching experience quickly turned intense.

Liz and Julie’s Adventure

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Screenshot from: Kayakers nearly swallowed by humpback whale in california. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: Guardian News

Liz Cottriel and Julie McSorley were the two kayakers involved. They were about 30 feet away from the whales, enjoying their morning. Suddenly, things took a dramatic turn.

A Pool of Fish Appears

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Screenshot from: Whale capsizes kayak, forces 2 underwater in Avila beach. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: KSBY News

A large pool of fish, known as a bait ball, emerged from the water. This sight is often a precursor to whale activity. Liz and Julie watched in awe.

Whale Emerges Too Close

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Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

Julie saw the whale coming up and realized it was too close. Her immediate thought was, “Oh no! It’s too close.” Before she knew it, she was lifted out of the water.

Overturned Kayak

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Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

The whale’s emergence caused their kayak to overturn. The whale almost swallowed Liz and Julie! Liz had a bizarre thought of pushing the whale away, which she knew was impossible.

Surfacing and Help

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Screenshot from: Kayakers nearly swallowed by humpback whale in California. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: Guardian News

Fortunately, both women surfaced unharmed. Other kayakers and paddleboarders nearby quickly came to their aid. Their primary concern was whether the whale had bitten them. Though the ordeal was frightening, it ended without any physical harm.

Viral Video

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Screenshot from: Kayakers nearly swallowed by humpback whale in California. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: Guardian News

Julie managed to record the incident on her mobile phone. The video has since gone viral and shows the intense, unexpected encounter in detail. It’s a dramatic example of human-wildlife interaction.

Watch the full video here!

Reflecting on the Experience

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Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

Both women reflected on how close they came to a serious accident, however they were grateful to be safe. The encounter was a stark reminder of the power of nature.

The Power of Whales

Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

Humpback whales are massive and powerful creatures. This incident showcased their strength. Being aware of your surroundings can make a big difference.  It’s a reminder to always keep a safe distance when whale watching.

Public Reaction

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Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Source: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

The video has sparked a lot of reactions online. People are amazed and concerned about the close call. It’s a story that has captured widespread attention.

Whales and Kayakers

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Screenshot from: Humpback whale almost swallows kayakers near a California beach. Sorce: YouTube. Uploaded: ABC7

Encounters between whales and kayakers are rare but can happen. This incident is a perfect example. It shows the unpredictable nature of wildlife. Even a peaceful activity like kayaking can turn intense.

Watch the full video here!

A Tale to Remember

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Screenshot from: “Whale Protects Diver From Shark” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Dodo

Liz and Julie now have a wild story to tell. Their close encounter with a whale is something they’ll never forget. It’s a tale of adventure and survival.

Conclusion

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Image by ArtTower via Pixabay

This whale encounter is a powerful reminder of nature’s strength. Liz and Julie’s story is both frightening and fascinating. It’s a clear example of the wild world we live in.