A New Zealander surfed with 15–20 common dolphins near Waimārama beach, calling it a rare, privileged experience.

Byron Crawford, a Hawke’s Bay man, spent 10 minutes surfing with a pod of 15 to 20 common dolphins near Waimārama beach, describing the encounter as a rare and privileged experience. Using a foilboard with a small electric motor, he spotted the dolphins—identified by the Department of Conservation as common dolphins—while en route to Bare Island. The dolphins, including several calves, swam closely alongside his board, leaping in the water. Crawford, who has surfed the area for over 20 years, said this was only the second time he’d seen dolphins while foiling. His daughter captured footage of the moment, which she entered into a local photo competition.