A paddle boarder experienced the thrill of a lifetime when a Southern Right Whale surfaced from the water just a few inches from his board.

The footage, filmed on July 14, shows the massive whale approaching the paddle boarder and swimming extremely close.

The filmer writes: ''I was approached by two Southern Right Whales.

''Both made a couple of passes then one took a real liking to me and hung around for 15 or 20 minutes.

''The most gentle giants in nature and the footage shows how they are masters of their space.''

The clip was captured off Tathra Beach in New South Wales, Australia.