### Kayakers Astounded by Rare Dolphin Encounter off Aberavon Coast
A trio of kayakers were left awestruck after a rare and unexpected encounter with a pod of dolphins off the coast of south Wales this weekend. The spectacle unfolded several miles offshore from the sands of Aberavon, Port Talbot, offering the adventurers a magical and unforgettable moment on the open water.
On Saturday morning, Jamie Rigdon, accompanied by his brother Carl Rice and friend Kieran Ladkoo, paddled around three miles from Aberavon Beach as part of a training session. Their outing, undertaken in balmy conditions with the thermometer tipping well over 30°C – the hottest day in Wales since July 2022 – was intended as preparation for a fundraising challenge, but soon turned into something far more memorable.
Recalling the extraordinary scene, Jamie Rigdon told reporters that the encounter began with the group noticing some movement in the distance. “We saw them in the distance and then they disappeared – but soon enough, they reappeared and began heading directly towards us,” Jamie explained. “It was a sizeable pod, staying with us for several minutes, swimming beneath us and weaving in and out around the kayaks. I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve never known dolphins in these waters.”
The trio were able to capture impressive footage of the dolphins gliding gracefully around them, thanks to Carl Rice, who filmed the pod as it circled the kayakers. The slow, playful dance of the bottlenose dolphins was a welcome surprise, especially considering such sightings are considered rare in south Wales. While western parts of the Welsh coast, particularly Cardigan Bay, are renowned for their resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, southern stretches like Aberavon are far less commonly visited by these charismatic marine mammals.
Indeed, dolphin-spotting hotspots on the Welsh coast typically include Aberystwyth, New Quay, and Aberaeron – yet for those paddling off Aberavon, the sight was a first in living memory. “They stayed around us for what felt like ages. It was just incredible,” Jamie reiterated, still in awe of the chance meeting.
The timing of the encounter held particular significance for the group. The brothers were training for an ambitious kayak crossing of the English Channel from Rye Harbour to the French coast, organised to raise funds for the Port Talbot-based charity, Me Myself and I. The organisation, which offers vital support for people living with dementia, holds a special place in their hearts, having cared for Jamie’s late father and Carl’s mother-in-law.
“The charity supported our family during difficult times, so we wanted to give something back,” Jamie said. Over £1,000 has already been raised through their fundraising campaign, which further highlights the deep personal connection and commitment the group have to their cause.
Marine experts note that while dolphins are not unheard of in south Wales, such close and prolonged encounters are extremely rare, especially so close to shore. The experience serves as a gentle reminder of the natural treasures that can unexpectedly reveal themselves along the UK coastline.
Their adventure has since inspired both amazement among local residents and renewed interest in the region’s marine biodiversity. Social media was abuzz as footage of the dolphins circulated, enchanting viewers and bringing a dash of wonder to communities across south Wales.
As the kayakers prepare for their formidable Channel crossing, spirits are high, buoyed by the extraordinary wildlife encounter and the positive momentum behind their charitable efforts. Encounters such as these offer a powerful testament to the hidden beauty and surprising moments nature can provide, even in waters thought to be well-known or unchanged.