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At El Porto, Manhattan Beach, one unsuspecting surfer had a thrilling encounter with a leaping dolphin, creating a heart-stopping moment that was expertly captured by photographer Dave Weldon, 63.

Paddling with his surfboard, the surfer found himself in the path of two oncoming dolphins. In a series of captivating shots, one dolphin is seen suddenly leaping from the water, heading straight for the surfer with arms raised in a ‘surfer’s greeting.’

Fortunately, the dolphin narrowly misses the man, diving back down just meters in front of him. The surfer, taken aback by the unexpected encounter, gets a spectacular close-up view of the majestic marine animal.

Describing the incident, Dave Weldon shared, “It all happened so fast – I had just finished photographing a surfer to my left when out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention over to my right.”

“As quick as I could swing around my camera, I barely realized what I was about to focus-lock onto before I fired off a burst of shots capturing the dolphin and surfer’s encounter.”

The two dolphins were heading south a few dozen meters in front of the surfer. Spotting them, the surfer raised his arms in a ‘surfer’s greeting.’ Suddenly, one dolphin turned towards the surfer, accelerated, and leaped while rolling onto its left side—seemingly wanting to get a better look at the surfer before gracefully diving back into the water just a few meters in front of him.

This extraordinary moment serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and enchanting nature of marine life, creating an unforgettable experience for both the surfer and those fortunate enough to witness the incredible spectacle.

 

Surf’s Up! Incredible Moment Dolphin Swims Straight at Surfer and Almost Hits Him

Surf’s Up! Incredible Moment Dolphin Swims Straight at Surfer and Almost Hits Him