Beluga Interaction at Seaworld

[Aeiry]

Okay, to start, I have heard nothing but good reviews about it, so I figured I'd try it. My biggest issue is the idea of squeezing myself into a wetsuit. I'm 6' tall, and over 300 lbs. My friend, who's buying it for me for my birthday is insisting that we do it, so it's not like I can back out. People have tried to assure me I'll be fine, but I'm still super nervous.
Also, are you kneeling the whole time. I can hardly kneel on a padded surface, so I'm a little concerned about that too.
Any help from pooh-sized people who have done it would be great.

 

[RabFlmom]

Haven't ever done it but when we did Arctic last month a girl was doing her interaction. We and everyone else stood and watched the whole interaction. It looked like a lot of fun. You are on sort of a ledge at the side of the water and mostly on your knees. Only time they stood up was when they had her put her hand in the air for the whale to come higher out of the water. They used to sit on the edge with feet dangling in the water and even got to get in the water but I guess that is no longer allowed. I am jealous........ still haven't done it.

 

[KBF]

I have done it and Believe me, it was a ton of fun. Don't worry about being in a wetsuit. Just have fun. It will be memorable experience for both you and your friend.

 

[DreamlikeCat]

I've seen recent videos (my DS and DH are doing the program) and it looks like you're on your knees a lot.

I bet you aren't the only larger sized person who's participated - they would have to post restrictions on sizes if it was a problem, I would think.

Maybe they have something padded you can kneel on if you are uncomfortable on hard surfaces with your knees - like one or two of those floating boards?

Once you sign up for the program, you're mailed a package with some consent and waiver forms to complete. The participant release says:

That participant is in good health and does not have any health or physical impairments or conditions, including but not limited to back and neck problems, history of heart conditions and/or seizures, or mental impairments such as anxiety or phobias that would or should prevent participant from participating in the activities.

My advice? Give sea world a call yourself, discuss your situation & apprehension & know what you're getting into before arriving.

 

[CarolineB]

I watched the Beluga interaction recently and they had 2 people kneeling with the trainer and one beluga while 2 other people sat with their feet dangling in the water with another trainer and the other beluga. There was a 3rd trainer standing and talking.

I wonder if you can bring your own kneeling pad (like the kind you get for gardening). I wouldn't be able to kneel the whole time either.

 

[Herbie]

My wife did this and loved it...dying to do it again...worth every penny...be sure and buy the photo pkg....


one of the trainer ladies was "pooh sized" and had her red wet suit on...i am sure they will have something to accomodate you.

 

[chiamarie]

I watched the Beluga interaction recently and they had 2 people kneeling with the trainer and one beluga while 2 other people sat with their feet dangling in the water with another trainer and the other beluga. There was a 3rd trainer standing and talking.

I wonder if you can bring your own kneeling pad (like the kind you get for gardening). I wouldn't be able to kneel the whole time either.

I doubt it. Having a kneeling pad so close to the water would be an animal hazard, one of the whales could steal it from you and eat it. Or it could accidently slip in the water. I doubt they would let you bring one out.

They ask you before you go out there if you are comfortable with sitting, standing and kneeling. Speak up then! They also tell you if at anytime you feel uncomfortable (too cold in the water, knees hurting from kneeling, etc) speak up, and they can do their best to try something different and make it so you have the best experience possible.

Point is, it's an amazing experience and one you'll never forget! Go and enjoy it!