grok: to understand

The whale surfaced beside the canoe. It nudged slightly at the stern. Max couldn't tell whether it was male or female. He didn't even know exactly what kind of whale it was. Yet somehow it's presence was deeply reassuring. He didn't know where he was, or whether he'd get back alive. But this was seemed to grok completely all of his thoughts and fears.
It was nudging the stern further and further, spinning the canoe gently round, whilst making it rock a little worryingly. A small wave splashed up in Max's face. Was the whale trying to give him directions?