Paddleboarders Have Close Encounter with World’s Friendliest Whale

Outing by pro paddleboarder Todd Mingramm turns into up-close encounter.

July 1, 2017 5:00 am

If you’ve ever been on a whale watch, you know the feeling when you see the first burst of water from the ocean as a whale’s body breaches the surface and then, seconds later, its tail descends—all from a safe distance.

Then there’s Australian pro standup paddleboarder Todd Mingramm, who recently came within just a feet of a whale, during a ocean outing with a friend. Mingramm’s pal, holding the selfie-stick-mounted camera, can be heard joking, “I don’t know if Toddy’s going to survive.” He suggests they’re about 5 meters from the whale—or within about 16 feet.

Watch the spellbinding video above.

MEET US AT YOUR INBOX. FIRST ROUND'S ON US.

Join America's Fastest Growing Spirits Newsletter THE SPILL. Unlock all the reviews, recipes and revelry — and get 15% off award-winning La Tierra de Acre Mezcal.