SUP Seal Encounter: Jake in Pembrokeshire, UK

UK.  ASI Seal Rescue Campaign Update.   ASI surf instructor, Jake James, remembers a recent encounter he had whilst out (for a socially distanced surf) on his board during the recent Welsh Firebreak Lockdown.

He is based on the stunning Welsh coast that hugs the county of Pembrokeshire, home of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the UK’s only coastal national park and the perfect spot for surfers and seals alike to find some peace amongst the glassy waters..

“Hey guys! I’ve been surfing for about 3 years now and my seal pup story is fairly recent.

“It was a Monday and everyone was in school or work so I had my favourite break completely to myself, chest height and real glassy...

“I was out for about an hour and I saw this flop in the water and thought it was one of those cool flying fish or something.

“I caught a wave and paddled back to the lineup and there was a little head that I briefly confused with a dog... this cute little seal was just staring at me and I jokingly gave it a wave, and it instantly dived back down.

“Maybe five minutes later it reemerged, this time about half a metre from my little board and the splash made me jump so hard I fell in!

“When I got back on my board he was gone. This happened one more time and that was the final time I saw him. I said to myself I think we should have a staring contest, I had a mouth mount GoPro and I recorded the last experience with him. There was a lot of spray from the waves so I did lose a staring contest to a seal that day!!”

Great work, Jake, and thanks for the story!

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  

You can also donate to the Seal Sanctuary 

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 

 

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