SUP Seal Encounter: Dave in Stonehaven

UK. Dunnottar Castle is a ruined, medieval fortress perched dramatically on the rocky headlands of North East Scotland, a few miles south of Stonehaven, Scotland.

It’s the perfect location for a spot of SUP and that’s exactly what Dave Jacobs was doing just before Christmas when he had an unusual encounter with one of the local residents…

“I was out paddling on the morning of the 19th Dec and came across a seal pup on the beach by Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven” said Dave.

The area has a successful population of Catterline Grey Seals who can often be seen lazing about on the rocky outcrops of this iconic, Scottish coastline. The pup Dave spotted was a young Grey seal that was having a rest on the beach. 

Dave said the seal up looked perfectly happy and healthy and he was mindful to keep his distance so as not to disturb the pup or spook any potential nearby parents.

Dave checked up on the seal later on to make sure it wasn’t in any kind of trouble and found it had moved on.

Remember, should you come across seals it’s important to engage mindfully with the encounter. ASI instructor and marine biologist, Alana Bonnick, gives us this advice:

“Always keep 100 yards away from marine life as they are wild animals and therefore can be unpredictable. If humans get too close we can also cause large amounts of stress to the animal which in some cases can result in injury, so it is best to just keep your distance! It is fine if the animal's curiosity gets the better of them and they decide to venture closer, like I said, I've had some very close encounters! But it is just important that it is on their terms.” Find out more about the UK’s seal population,  how you can help them and what to do if you encounter them whilst out paddling in our interview with the Cornish Seal Sanctuary https://www.academyofsurfing.com/news/tips-for-seal-encounters-and-the-cornish-seal-sanctuary

You can also donate to the Seal Sanctuary at: 
https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/sealifemarineconservation/cornishsealsanctuary

Send us your seal encounter stories if you want your very own, limited edition, Cornish Seal Sanctuary water bottle!
info@academyofsurfing.com 

Don’t forget to follow our campaign #ASISealRescue and keep up to date with our campaign to support the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at: 
https://www.academyofsurfing.com/news/category/supporting-the-seal-sanctuary