Orca goes surfing in New Zealand

November 23, 2010 | Surfing
Orca: the spot is yours | Photo: Michael Cunningham

It seems we're not alone in the lineup. New Zealand photographer Michael Cunningham has captured the extraordinary still of an orca enjoying a surfing session in Sandy Bay.

While it is common to watch her closest relatives hitting the waves, we had never seen an orca riding waves like this one.

Cunningham was actually bodysurfing when the mammal dropped in on him.

The photographer of the Northern Advocate got out of the water and grabbed his camera to try to register the special moment.

In less than one minute, the animal finished his surf training and swam off.

Orcas are mammals also known as killer whales and can be seen in all world oceans.

They are highly social and still feature in the U.S. Endangered Species list.