Miracle escape for two female California kayakers after humpback whale scoops them up in its jaws before SPITTING THEM OUT

Footage taken by another whale watcher shows the mammal scoop up the boat and the two friends, taking everyone by surprise. 'I'm thinking to myself, "I'm gonna push." Like, I'm gonna push a whale out of the way! It was the weirdest thought. I'm thinking, "I'm dead. I'm dead." I thought it was gonna land on me,' Cottriel said. 'Next thing I know, I'm under water.'

Concerned paddleboarders and kayakers quickly rushed over to help the two women.

Julie McSorley (left) and her friend Liz Cottriel (right) were whale watching in Avila Beach, California , on Monday afternoon.

Footage taken by another whale watcher shows the mammal scoop up the boat and the two friends

The pair were lifted into the air in the jaws of the whale but they fortunately managed to escape

Fortunately Julie resurfaced first and seconds later, Liz also escaped unharmed.

The pair managed to retrieve the kayak and ride it back to shore.

Liz said: 'We got back to the car, I was shaking my shirt and a bunch of fish came out of my shirt.'

The only damage was Julie losing her car keys in the close call but both survived unharmed. 

Liz said: 'I was infatuated by them and in awe. But I never expected one to be right here, in my face!'