‘This is insane!’ B.C. man gets en-dolphin rush as pod joins him for skim on the ocean

Jerry McArthur, a British Columbia-based entrepreneur, has dedicated his career to exploring the ocean. His recent encounter in Howe Sound, north of Vancouver, served as a powerful reminder of why he is so passionate about the marine world.

McArthur was out on his electric hydrofoil, a propeller-driven ocean glider that he designs and sells, when he found himself surrounded by a pod of dolphins. Luckily, he had a 360-degree camera with him to capture the experience. “This is insane,” he exclaimed as dozens of dolphins swam alongside him, some even jumping out of the water. He expressed concern about accidentally hitting one of the playful marine mammals.

The dolphins matched his speed, gracefully swooping underneath and surfacing alongside him for nearly 20 minutes. Initially spotting the animals in the distance, McArthur and his friend tried to avoid them, but the dolphins seemed eager to interact. “They wanted to play, I guess,” McArthur remarked. “All I could see were dolphins… there were probably about 100 of them.”

This unforgettable encounter with Pacific white-sided dolphins, also known as hookfin porpoises, is a positive sign of recovery in the region known as the Salish Sea. These acrobatic dolphins, known for their love of showing off with spectacular leaps and spins, had largely disappeared from B.C.’s coast in the early 2000s. However, they have started reappearing in pods of up to 200, a promising development for marine conservation.

According to Andrew Trites, who oversees the Marine Mammal Research Unit at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, the dolphins tend to stay in open ocean waters but can be drawn closer to shore by herring returns. The improved environmental standards in Howe Sound have led to the return of not just dolphins but also other marine species like whales, seals, and sea lions.

McArthur’s encounter with the dolphins reaffirms his belief in the importance of preserving marine environments. It also highlights the significance of his invention, the Hydroflyer, a quieter and more environmentally-friendly way to navigate the ocean. Designed as a “mountain bike of the sea,” the Hydroflyer offers a peaceful alternative to traditional gas-powered watercraft, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life.

For McArthur, this encounter was a moment of pure joy. “I was on cloud nine,” he recalled. The video footage of his dolphin encounter not only showcases the beauty of these creatures but also serves as a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us. It is encounters like these that enrich our lives and inspire us to protect the precious ecosystems of our planet.