SUP Seal Encounter: Joel in Cornwall, UK

UK.  ASI Seal Rescue Campaign Update.  Joel is an ASI SUP instructor based in Cornwall and had a close encounter with a seal up that led directly to that pup getting rescued by the Cornish Divers Association and placed in the safe hands of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for rehabilitation.

“I had gone stand up paddleboarding that morning during a very high Spring tide” He said.

“Later that morning, while lifeguarding, I saw an object moving towards the beach.

“I walked towards him and saw that it was a very weak looking seal pup that had most probably been washed out of the caves that sit off the side of St. Agnes beach, he was only about two weeks old but the Cornish Divers Association came and rescued him”

Amazing work Joel!

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.”

Video:

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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