• A close encounter just meters from the water
• A rare moment captured during an ordinary surfing trip

A hydrofoil surfer off the coast of Hawaii experienced an extraordinary moment when a whale suddenly lifted its tail right next to him as he glided over the waves.

Eric Sterman was documenting his journey on a hydrofoil between Turtle Bay and Keiki Beach when the camera captured the whale’s surprising appearance.

In the video, Sterman can be heard exclaiming in shock, “Are you kidding me? This is insane!” — clearly showing his reaction to the unexpected scene.

He later explained that he had noticed the whale’s shadow around the middle of his ride, only to be surprised when it partially emerged from the water and waved its tail close to him.

Sterman added that it’s common for whales to pass nearby while hydrofoiling, but capturing a moment like this on camera is extremely rare.