SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Surfers heading to Santa Cruz, California will have to keep a look out for a furry surfboard thief.
A surfer at Steamer Lane says a sea otter bit her foot and then climbed onto her board Tuesday evening, holding it hostage for roughly 20 minutes as rescuers rushed in.
Isabella Orduna was paddling out when she felt “a nip” on her foot. She rolled off and turned to see an otter perched on her board.
Orduna says that after biting her, the otter took over her board for at least 20 minutes and, in the moment, she didn’t know what to do.
VIDEO: Infamous Santa Cruz sea otter sought by officials after hijacking surfboards
Thankfully, another surfer in the area was able to help her call for help.
SEE ALSO: North Carolina dog nearly sets house on fire after lithium battery bursts into flames | Video
A full blown rescue ensued.
When first responders arrived, they found the surfer in the water and the otter lounging on her board.
A sea otter steals a surfboard from a surfer off the coast of Santa Cruz at Steamers Lane, on Tuesday Oct 14, 2025.
Mark Woodward / Native Santa Cruz
Lifeguards eventually got her surfboard back.
For the past two summers, the notorious “Otter 841” went on a surfboard stealing spree in Santa Cruz.
It’s not clear if this thief is the same otter or just a copycat as the tracker that was originally on “Otter 841” is no longer on her and there is no current way to confirm her identity.
Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.