RALEIGH — To kick off National Safe Boating Week, 11 state parks, including Lake James, and three other sites will each host beginners’ kayaking safety programs on Saturday, May 18, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. The “Kayaking 101” events are being offered as a collaboration with the division, the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA), and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Those interested in learning to kayak have an opportunity with training at Lake James set for May 18.
This is the amazing moment a humpback whale presented her new-born calf to a group of kayakers. Brittany Ziegler, 34, captured the footage while kayaking off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, USA. The giant mammal can be seen turning slowly in the water- with her calf above her. Brittany, a diver and content creator, said: "We had been sitting in some flat water snacking on some sandwiches for awhile at that point. "Whales had been all around us the whole morning and I noticed the tell-tale hump about 100 feet from us and it was slowly moving closer to our kayak. "When they were within 20ft or so, I dunked my GoPro underwater and realized we were looking at a very tiny newborn whale. "My heart melted and I felt so honored to be in their presence. You can hear my pure joy and awe." Brittany streams her activities diving and kayaking on her Instagram and TikTok (@divedivelive) and has had many amazing animal encounters. But this moment ranks very highly for her amongst all others. She said: " I kayak all winter and spend almost everyday under water, and am blessed to have so many magical encounters. "I think this was the only time a mother whale brought her newborn over to me. "This baby whale is only hours old In the video, and it was truly a moment of magic. "I felt blessed because I knew how important this moment was for the mama whale, and how special this moment would always be for me."
