Kayak - All
A breaching humpback whale knocked two kayakers into the water near Avila Beach, California. No one was injured in the capsize, according to reports. This footage, recorded by Mandy Boyle, shows the moment the huge mammal breaches the water's surface and knocks over the kayak with two people in it. Boyle said both the kayakers were unharmed and quickly returned to the surface, but harbor officials said the two kayakers were lucky to be alive. Humpback whales are known to be active near the California coast year-round, and officials advise people to keep a football field's distance between themselves and whales when possible to avoid situations such as a capsize.
A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is highly unlikely to eat a kayaker—or even attempt to do so. Humpback whales are not predators of humans or large mammals, and their diet consists almost entirely of small marine organisms such as krill, plankton, and small fish like herring or anchovies.
Here's why they wouldn't eat a kayaker:
1. Dietary Preferences
Humpback whales are filter feeders. They use baleen plates in their mouths to strain tiny prey from large volumes of water. Their feeding mechanism is not suited for consuming large objects, let alone a human or a kayak.
Even if a kayaker were near a feeding humpback, the whale would not recognize them as food because they don't fit the whale's dietary criteria.
2. Behavior Toward Humans
Humpback whales are generally curious but not aggressive toward humans. In some areas, they are known to approach boats or divers out of curiosity, but there is no evidence of predatory behavior.
In fact, humpback whales have been observed engaging in altruistic behaviors, such as protecting other species (including humans) from predators like orcas.
3. Physical Limitations
A humpback whale's throat is relatively small compared to its massive body size. While estimates vary, it is believed that their esophagus is only wide enough to swallow prey that is a few inches in diameter. This means they physically cannot consume something as large as a human or a kayak.
4. Potential Risks to Kayakers
While humpback whales won't intentionally try to harm or eat a kayaker, accidents can happen. A whale's sheer size and power could accidentally bump or overturn a kayak if the whale surfaces suddenly or moves too close. However, this would be an accident, not an act of predation.
Humpback whales pose no threat to kayakers in terms of predation. If you encounter one while kayaking, it’s best to maintain a safe distance (typically at least 100 yards/91 meters) to avoid disturbing the animal or risking an accidental collision. These majestic creatures are more likely to inspire awe than fear!
Who Is Melissa Bachman? Biography and Career in the Hunting Industry
Melissa Bachman Bearshield is a renowned American hunter, blogger, producer, and TV host. Born on July 17, 1984, in Paynesville, Minnesota, she has been involved in hunting since childhood. Today, she is widely recognized for her show Winchester Deadly Passion, aired on the Sportsman Channel, Wild TV, and Pursuit Channel. Thanks to her professionalism and charisma, Melissa has become one of the most recognizable faces among hunting influencers in the U.S.
Melissa Bachman's Hunting Style: How She Prefers to Hunt
Melissa is an advocate for ethical and traditional hunting methods. Her favorite approach is bowhunting, which requires maximum focus, patience, and physical endurance. She often engages in DIY-style hunts, navigating challenging terrain alone or with a cameraman—on foot, by kayak, or even by helicopter.
What Types of Hunting Does Melissa Prefer?
Melissa hunts a wide variety of game, including whitetail deer, mule deer, black bears, wild turkeys, alligators, and red stag. She chooses diverse regions and challenging conditions—from the dense forests of Minnesota to the snowy mountains of Alberta and the swamps of Florida.
Where Does Melissa Bachman Hunt?
USA: Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico
Canada: Alberta
International Destinations: New Zealand (red stag), South Africa (big game)
She often focuses on public land hunting and relies heavily on technology—trail cameras, mapping apps, and HuntStand.
Melissa Bachman's Most Popular Hunting Trophies
Whitetail deer scoring over 202 inches (Pope & Young)
Mule deer scoring 176+ inches in Colorado
World-record red stag in New Zealand
Trophy black bears and alligators
These achievements have solidified her reputation as a top-tier trophy hunter.
Weapons and Gear Used by Melissa Bachman
Melissa trusts high-quality and field-tested equipment:
Bow: Mathews Avail / Chill SDX (settings: 64 lbs draw weight, 25.5" draw length)
Arrows: Easton Injexion with Rage Hypodermic broadheads
Rifle: Winchester XPR .300 Win Mag with Swarovski Z6i optics
Other gear: Cold Steel Click N Cut knives, Alaska Game Bags, trail cameras, decoys, and game calls
Why Melissa Bachman Is a Key Figure Among Hunting Influencers
Hosts and produces her own show Winchester Deadly Passion
Shares firsthand experience and expertise via Instagram, YouTube, and her blog
Participates in seminars, expos, and hunting conventions as an ethical hunting ambassador
Serves as a role model for women and young people in the outdoors, promoting sustainable and respectful hunting practices
Final Thoughts: Follow Melissa Bachman’s Hunting Adventures
Melissa Bachman Bearshield is more than just a blogger — she’s a dedicated professional who showcases elite hunting skills, deep respect for wildlife, and a passion for educating the community. From trophy bucks to family life, from solo hunts to international travel, she combines fieldwork with media excellence. Follow her adventures on Instagram and at melissabachman.com to stay updated on some of the wildest and most inspiring stories in modern hunting.
Melissa Bachman's Instagram (102k followers): @melissa_bachman
