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Surfing Dolphins make waves in Florida
Dolphins are some of the most intelligent marine mammals on the planet, are closely related to whales and porpoises and have a playful nature.
In this video, taken off St. Pete Beach in Florida, two dolphins stay right with a water skier, leaping into the air from time to time.
Their playful nature often has Dolphins leaping above the surface of the water for reasons unknown to scientists. They may be locating schools of fish by looking above the water (like birds do), communicating with other dolphins, dislodging parasites or simple amusement. Here, it looks like they just want to play.
Like that? Here's another one.
In this video, taken off St. Pete Beach in Florida, two dolphins stay right with a water skier, leaping into the air from time to time.
Their playful nature often has Dolphins leaping above the surface of the water for reasons unknown to scientists. They may be locating schools of fish by looking above the water (like birds do), communicating with other dolphins, dislodging parasites or simple amusement. Here, it looks like they just want to play.
Like that? Here's another one.
Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
patrick Feb 7th 2012 12:15PM
Just an FYI... he's not a water skier. Kind of a hybrid wake surfer
James Feb 7th 2012 4:26PM
You sould never 'surf' behind a boat like that. The engine releases carbon monoxide. It is an odorless gas. The 'surfurs' simply pass out due to inhalation of the gas and often die. There is a warning of the back of all boats about this.
Please don't do it....wakeboarding at a distance from the boat is safe....and fun!
John Feb 7th 2012 11:40PM
James, you are completely wrong with what you just wrote down. I am an avid "Wake Surfer" and in an OPEN ENVIRONMENT the carbon monoxide released from the engine could not harm the surfer at that distance. Also, the motors are under the boat with a board covering them. Maybe you should look up your information before you start giving inaccurate information. Go to youtube and look up "Wake Surfing". It's a very popular sport that is COMPLETELY SAFE.
dan Feb 8th 2012 12:41PM
thats crazy , i thought he was water skieing , there was know rope , i didn't know you could do that , vary cool
Terry Lipford Feb 7th 2012 4:26PM
The guy was "wake skating", not skiing and not wake boarding. And he appeared to be pretty good at it as well !
Larry Feb 7th 2012 5:50PM
Since you seem to be knowledgeable with the sport. What was powering this kid on the ski-board after he threw tossed the tow rope? I don't understand how he was able to continue skiing without holding the tow rope.
Terry Lipford Feb 7th 2012 6:15PM
Larry, the wake is propelling the wake skate. Notice that the wake is providing a near "down hill" condition, and the rider is using that effect to keep the wake skate moving forward. In addition, he had the boat's forward speed getting him started, so the combination of the two effects keeps him moving. If the rider gets out of the "sweet spot" or goes too far outside the wake, he will come to a slow stop.
Heidi Feb 7th 2012 4:31PM
Dolphins are so beautiful i just love to watch them.
Rob Feb 7th 2012 5:22PM
Maybe the dolphins like to jump out of the water for the same reason we like to go IN the water....maybe to play, and to experience a world that isn't their natural habitat.
Rob Feb 7th 2012 5:34PM
That is the coolest thing i ever seen, amazeing how fast they are !
larry Feb 7th 2012 5:50PM
Pretty cool!!!! I was wondering how the kid on the board was able to keep up with the boat after he tossed the rope? Did anyone else notice this?
John Feb 7th 2012 11:39PM
Larry this is not "Wake Skating". This is called "Wake Surfing". Notice that he is not holding any rope. "Wake Skating" would is very similar but you are much further behind the boat holding on to the rope. The bigger the wake the easier it is to "surf" behind the boat.
Hattie Crabtree Feb 7th 2012 7:34PM
The only time I have seen dolphins do this is a dolphin cruise I took with my family 14 years ago in Hilton Head.We took a 3 hr " dolphin cruise " in the bay and ocean and near the end of the cruise,3 dolphins were following our small yacht and going under the boat.I was worried that they would get too close to the motors.
kathy Feb 7th 2012 10:36PM
If you are ever visiting Southern California and in Ventura County try to take a trip with the Island Packers. Tell them you want to take a boat excursion to hopefully see a dolphin pod. If you do view this spectacular scene it is hundreds of Dophins feeding in a protected area of the Channel Islands. You have to see it to believe. Also sometimes trips to Catalina also view dolphins in larger numbers than three. Good luck.
sarahkatee Feb 7th 2012 9:16PM
Since when is that skiing? Try wake skate?
Nancy Feb 7th 2012 9:47PM
The dolphins might be following the boat and performing for food. I've been in boats where people throw fish to the dolphins. The dolphins are used to it, and they follow the boats and perform. They even come right up the boat and take the fish right out of your hand.
carol Feb 7th 2012 10:31PM
Maybe the dolphins were trying to warn the guy about the carbon monoxide....maybe they senced danger
dolphinfan Feb 8th 2012 1:19AM
Looks like fun although I would have fell off the first time the dolphin jumped out of the water LOL. I wonder if the dolphins jump out of the water to get a better look? I noticed one of them sort of turning its head (while still under water) towards the guy on the board. Anyway, l love the video.
Anne Feb 8th 2012 1:32AM
Dolphins are amazing creatures, I adore them :)
Kathleen McKenna Feb 8th 2012 3:31AM
Love it! I thought it was great. I wish I could wakeboard and see dolphins like that but at 57 I don't think so. :) Beautiful video. Thanks guys!