Elephant seal collides with outrigger canoe during Monterey race

On May 23, during the Monterey Hoe Wa’a rowing race in California, a large elephant seal leaped from the water and landed on an outrigger canoe. The incident occurred while the Outrigger Santa Cruz team was competing in the event. Team member Channing Baker reported the incident to KTVU, noting that athletes initially feared the animal was a shark. A 360-degree camera belonging to teammate Alan Luckow recorded the seal landing on the vessel with its mouth open as the crew struggled to maintain balance. Despite the collision, neither the team members nor the animal sustained any injuries. The seal returned to the water shortly after the impact. Alan Luckow praised the crew for their composure, as the boat could have easily capsized. Ultimately, the Outrigger Santa Cruz team continued the race and finished in third place.