Laguna Beach man paddle boards with orcas

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Laguna Beach man calls swimming with orcas 'magical'
A Laguna Beach man took a chance on a tip and ended up swimming with a pod of orcas as they made their way along the coast.

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- A Laguna Beach man took a chance on a tip and ended up paddle boarding with a pod of orcas as they made their way along the coast.

Rich German heard the orcas were heading south off the coast of Long Beach. The next day, he got on his paddle board and went out into the ocean. Within two miles, he hit jackpot.

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

Among the group was a calf. The largest orca was about 30 feet long, German said.

"I wasn't scared. I was too excited to be scared," German said.