Cape Town surfers got the surprise of their lives when a penguin paddled out and joined them on the waves.
Western Cape, South Africa (23 August 2025) – South Africa is famous for its wild encounters. Sharks, whales, dolphins, even curious seals often make an appearance when locals paddle out into Cape Town’s icy Atlantic. But nothing could have prepared a group of surfers, or world-renowned photographer and filmmaker Alan van Gysen, for the day a penguin decided to join their lineup at Noordhoek Beach.
Captured on film and already winning hearts online, the little penguin wasn’t just splashing about in the shallows. It was properly surfing the waves alongside the humans, as if it had been waiting for its chance to show off its skills.
Alan van Gysen (or AVG as the surfing world knows him) has spent 25 years photographing and filming wildlife encounters across Africa’s coastline. From sharks and seals to dolphins and whales, he’s seen it all. Or so he thought.
“From sharks to seals to whales and everything in-between, Cape Town in South Africa is renowned for wildlife encounters in the water. But it’s rare for surfers to see a penguin, let alone share a few waves with one – until this little guy came along,” AVG explained.
For someone who has filmed Skeleton Bay, Puerto Escondido, Safi, African Kirra, and the iconic Sardine Run, this moment stood out.
“It was one the most incredible wildlife experiences I’ve ever had in my 25 years of photography… I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. I’m pretty blown away, to be honest.”
Penguins might be common along South Africa’s coastlines, think of Boulders Beach with its famous colony, but seeing one surfing at Noordhoek is another story. These creatures are natural swimmers, but riding waves with surfers is something extraordinary.
And the reaction online has been just as heart-warming as the encounter itself.
One viewer wrote, “That was amazing!!! 52 years old and never saw anything like this before. I’ve seen seals while surfing but never would’ve thought a penguin would be so intrigued by you guys there!!! Thank you for posting. It is truly an incredibly beautiful place there in Cape Town.”
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“I loved every second of this video. I also loved the underlying message. We humans should be stewards of our entire planet and every species on it. If we want to continue to see these beautiful moments between humans and animals, then it stands to reason that we need to do better in taking care of their habitats and them,” another said.
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“A kaleidoscopic wonderland, the incredible mix of flora and fauna is JAWDROPPING! The photography was utterly first class, using perspective like an art form. That gorgeous little penguin and her/his mob SHOULD be protected. This clip was a balm for the soul.”
Van Gysen and journalist Will Bendix, through their production company Now Now Media, have made a career of telling the stories of the world’s most iconic waves in their “Origin Series.” These are the waves that shape the history and culture of surfing itself.
But this penguin moment, humble, local, unplanned, is a reminder that sometimes the most unforgettable stories aren’t about the biggest waves at all, but the smallest surprises.
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