Thar they blow: Kayaker scores up-close footage of orca whales

Louis Jobidon was kayaking in the waters near British Columbia's Hornby Island when he came across something that would make most folks paddle straight for shore: orcas (which are also known as killer whales).

To his immense credit, Jobidon remained calm and filmed the entire encounter with what appears to be a camera attached to his helmet.

The footage is a sight to behold. Several whales emerge from the water just a stone's throw from Jobidon. They flap their tails and then go back under, either unaware of or uninterested in the man's lonely kayak.

One orca comes close enough to make Jobidon gasp. That he doesn't swear six ways from Sunday is, perhaps, just as incredible as the footage.

Watch the video and let us know if you'd have a similar reaction.

Follow Mike Krumboltz on Twitter (@mikekrumboltz).