California Paddle Boarder Parties with Pod of Orcas [VIDEO]

One California paddle boarder, a dolphin and whale enthusiast, had one of his dreams come true two weeks ago when "partied" with a pod of orca whales off the coast of Laguna Beach, catching the entire event on camera.

The group of five orcas - including a baby calf - surrounded Rich German, 45, spewing bursts from their blowholes and diving under his board.

German spends about three hours a day out on the open water, describing the ocean as his sanctuary.

"It is my exercise. I love the dolphins and the whales that are out there," German told USA Today.

On Jan. 7 when this avid paddle boarder heard that a pod or orcas was making their way south along the coast, he grabbed his gear and his GoPro and headed out, striking the jackpot just within two miles.

German posted the amazing video to YouTube on Jan. 14, and it has since received over 280,000 hits.

"It was one of the most magical experiences of my life. It was absolutely amazing," German said in the video. "They came up right next to me. They came onto my board a couple of times and were very friendly and interactive."

The largest orca was about 30 feet long, according to KABC, but even with these massive creatures swimming alongside and underneath him, German says he was more excited than afraid.

"There has never been a human being harmed by an orca in the wild. I was totally in the moment and excited to see them."

Describing the experience on Facebook, German also noted that he wanted to share his footage in order to "raise awareness for these incredible, magical creatures." (Scroll to read on...)

[Credit: Rich German via YouTube ]

Orcas (Orcinus orca) are endangered in the United States, specifically in the Puget Sound where there numbers are at a dismal 78 individuals, and falling. Not to mention the recent controversy over orcas kept in captivity, especially after backlash from the documentary "Blackfish."

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).