Orcas Swim Alongside Record-Breaking New Zealand Swimmer

Imagine swimming through ocean waves and spotting giant dorsal fins gliding toward you—that's exactly what happened to Jono Ridler at Pāpāmoa Beach this weekend.

The ocean swimmer is attempting to break a world record by swimming the entire eastern coastline of New Zealand's North Island, a journey spanning over 820 kilometers. On Saturday afternoon, a pod of orcas joined him in the shallow waters near the popular beach, delighting both Ridler and beachgoers watching from shore.

"I've never seen orcas in person before, in real life," Ridler said after the encounter. Lifeguards carefully monitored the situation to keep swimmers safe, but Ridler stayed in the water to witness the moment.

The orcas weren't interested in the swimmer—they had their eyes on stingrays near the shoreline. Ridler watched their massive dorsal fins cutting through the waves, though seeing them at sea level proved challenging compared to the drone footage his team captured from above.

Ridler's swim is more than just a world record attempt. He's partnered with Live Ocean to raise awareness about bottom trawling, a commercial fishing practice that damages ocean floors and marine ecosystems throughout New Zealand waters.

The journey has already attracted well-known guest swimmers who join Ridler for short stretches along the way. Now the local wildlife is getting in on the action too.

Why This Inspires

This story shows how one person's dedication to protecting our oceans can create moments that remind us why conservation matters. Ridler is literally immersing himself in the ecosystem he's fighting to protect, and his encounter with these magnificent creatures reinforces the beauty worth preserving.

With more than 820 kilometers still ahead, this may not be his last orca encounter. The swimmer is now heading toward East Cape, determined to complete what would be the longest unassisted staged swim ever recorded.

"I think I can somewhat tick that off the list, although I have to have a closer experience some other time," Ridler said with a smile.