Humpback whale breaches Olympic surfing event in Tahiti.
Humpback whale breaches Olympic surfing event in Tahiti.

If you were tuned into the Olympic women’s surfing event Monday you may have seen this incredible guest appearance by humpback whale who breached during semifinals heat. Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb and Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy were waiting in the Teahupo’o lineup off the coast of Tahiti when the massive marine mammal burst through the surface and landed with a massive splash.

Humpback whales breach for several reasons including males displaying strength and vitality, pod communication through the sound generated by the giant splash and hygiene as the force of hitting the water can dislodge unwanted parasites.

Anyone’s guess at to why this beautiful sea creature made a cameo at the Olympics but we are grateful it did.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....