Taking on Jeff's Joy Get the Family Kayaking ... - Canoe & Kayak

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Sea Kayaking Orca Overdrive - Inspired by a close encounter Robbie Banks needed to know more. Heading towards Matawhauwhau Point on Great Barrier Island, less than 50 metres from shore a spout of water shoots into the air! Dolphins was my first thought - then the Orca’s fin emerges heading straight for me. My pulse is pounding as a black mass resembling a live submarine swims closer, the fin towering above me. Another Orca is slapping his tail on the surface! What does this mean? Is he signalling ‘attack’? Munch munch - then he dives under my kayak - I freeze as a black mass glides by. Since this encounter I have found some interesting facts about the mighty Orca. 1 Orcas are identified by their distinctive black and white markings. Both females and males have similar markings except on the underside, where it is possible to distinguish male from female. The dorsal fin also distinguishes male and female adults. In the mature male the erect dorsal fin may reach a height of 5 1/2 ft. (1.7m) but the female dorsal fin only grows to an average of 3 ft. (0.9m) 2 Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family, Delphinidae. Males grow to a maximum length of about 32ft (9.8m) and weight of 10 - 11 tons (9 - 10,000 kg) Females are smaller growing to a maximum length of about 28ft ( 8.5m), weighing as much as 7 - 8 tons (6,500 to 7,500 kg). Calves at birth are about 8ft (2.4m) long and weigh about 400lbs (180 kg).
Sea Kayaking 3 Orcas are very social animals. When large groups meet in the area there is often intense vocal activity and great excitement, both for the whales and the human listener. During the summer season, when they are most often observed, they intermingle for many hours. 5 But why were they so close to shore? I found two possibilities, feeding and back scratching. When northern resident Orca resume travelling, they most likely head for the Robson Bight area, British Columbia and the Rubbing Beaches beyond. These Rubbing Beaches are a unique feature of the area. Though whales have been observed rubbing in other shallow areas, their use of these particular beaches is consistent and well documented. It seems to be important in their use of the Johnstone Strait area where beaches are covered with small, flat or round smooth stones. The whales dive, blowing out air as bubbles to lessen their buoyancy, and then skim their bodies over the stones. Sometimes several whales use the beach at the same time, but they may also wait a short distance offshore for their turn. This activity brings the whales very close to shore. Again, they may be vocal while rubbing. I didn’t find any documentation that Orcas, also referred to as Killer Whales, have attacked sea kayakers. It was an honour to experience the great Orca in its liquid environment and I am happy to be able to share this priceless wondrous encounter. From one moment to the next the ocean offers so much pleasure. 4 Why tail slap? Orca Whales may raise their tail flukes and then tail slap as a visual and audio display during socializing, after resting, or if disturbed. Photos by Rod Voyce
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Taking on Jeff's Joy Get the Family Kayaking ... - Canoe & Kayak

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