Windsurfer Crashes Into Whale Off San Francisco Coast

Eric Kramer narrowly escapes injury after colliding with breaching gray whale while sailing at Crissy Field.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:04am by Ben Kaplan

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An extremely blurred, impressionistic photograph showing the faint outline of a windsurfer on the water with a massive gray whale breaching in the background, all captured in a hazy, dreamlike wash of warm colors and soft, out-of-focus light.A dramatic collision between a windsurfer and a breaching whale off the San Francisco coast underscores the need for caution and respect when recreating near marine wildlife.San Francisco Today

A windsurfer in San Francisco's Crissy Field was thrown from his board and plunged into the water after colliding with a breaching gray whale. Eric Kramer was gliding along the water when the large whale suddenly emerged beside him, causing Kramer to lose control and crash into the waves. Kramer was uninjured, and the whale also appeared unharmed by the incident.

Why it matters

Encounters between humans and whales in coastal areas can be dangerous for both parties, highlighting the need for caution and respect when recreating near marine wildlife. This incident raises awareness about the risks of water sports near whale habitats and the importance of maintaining a safe distance from these protected animals.

The details

According to Kramer's social media post, he had seen whales in the area before setting out and had reduced his speed to avoid them, but the whale "just popped up right in front of" him. The collision caused Kramer to completely lose control of his board and plunge into the water next to the gray whale. Kramer said he was "glad we are both okay," referring to himself and the whale, who appeared uninjured.

  • The incident occurred on March 31, 2026 in Crissy Field, San Francisco.

The players

Eric Kramer

A windsurfer who collided with a gray whale off the coast of San Francisco.

Gray Whale

A large marine mammal that breached the water and collided with Kramer's windsurfing board.

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What they’re saying

“It was a 'whale' of a day...”

— Eric Kramer, Windsurfer

“Please be cautious and respect wildlife.”

— Eric Kramer, Windsurfer

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for water sports enthusiasts to be vigilant and maintain a safe distance from whales and other marine life when recreating in coastal areas. It highlights the need for greater public awareness and education around responsible interactions with protected wildlife.