Dolphins: The Ocean’s Ultimate Wakesurfers

Searching for some on-the-water inspiration? If you’re an avid water sports enthusiast, look no further than the humble dolphin, a true wakesurfing wonder.

Sure, the dolphin might not use a board like you do—but when it comes to surfing the wake behind a boat, and even performing some pretty awesome aerials, this marvelous mammal has unparalleled style and skill.

In honor of National Dolphin Day on April 14^th, we’re taking a look at the dolphin’s superior wakesurfing skills—as well as some of the ways you can search for these surf-savvy speedsters on your next Vortex adventure! Just read on.

Why do dolphins like to surf?

Wondering why dolphins like to surf behind boats—or sometimes by the bow, in a practice called “bowriding”), playfully skipping out of the water as they go?

Like so many mysteries of the animal kingdom, we don’t exactly know for sure. They might like to surf for a variety of reasons—researchers have posited that the movement helps them move faster so that they can get to their next snack with speed. Of course, dolphins are already pretty quick swimmers (they’re the fastest marine mammal, with a max speed of 40 mph), but we can’t blame them for trying to take the express lane when they’re searching for food!

However, dolphins’ desire to ride the wake might be purely fun-fueled—just like us, they know that surfing is pretty thrilling, and enjoy it whenever they can. Even aside from boats, they have been observed riding the ocean waves as pods. Plus, the dolphins’ sleek, rubbery bodies help them move freely through the water—no doubt making the experience of cruising the waves that much more fun.

This love of the surf is a long-running tradition for dolphins, and even the Ancient Greeks wrote of dolphins (then seen as the majestic messengers of Poseidon) riding by sailboats as they moved through the water.

Ride the wake with dolphins…

We have seen viral videos of unsuspecting wakesurfers and boarders being joined by dolphins on the water—which, no doubt, are sure to be experiences those riders will never forget! Wondering if you can do the same? While there’s no guarantee that your next session will catch the attention of nearby dolphins, you can up your chances by going where they go. This includes brackish rivers that run along the ocean, as well as bays and similar bodies of water that are as perfect for riding as they are for dolphin-sighting.

… or just enjoy the view

You can also keep your eye out for dolphins on leisurely ocean cruises—simply by moving in a smooth, steady direction, your wake might just invite a dolphin or two out to play. If this happens, passengers can head aft and enjoy the breathtaking sight in real-time! Meanwhile, if you spot dolphins farther out, you can slow down or come to a stop where it’s safe to simply kick back and enjoy the view.

Whether you’re surfing with dolphins or scanning for them on your Vortex, there’s no better place to celebrate National Dolphin Day than right on the water! As always, we still have lots to learn from these playful marine mammals—but perhaps the greatest thing we can learn from them, is their sheer love of the water and commitment to enjoying the ride.