A surfer’s chance encounter with a seal in Newquay Bay has inspired them to write a children’s book. 

Joseph Johnson was surfing at Towan Beach with his friend when they were pulled off their surfboard by a grey seal. 

His young son watched the panic unfold from the shore so to ease his mind about the situation he wrote Sid the Seal. 

Joseph read the recently-published book during a story time event staged at Newquay Library, which was attended by more than 30 people. 

Joseph said: “Sid the Seal was inspired by a chance encounter last winter on a dark, stormy day in the bay.  

“I was surfing with a friend of mine and there was just the two of us. There was an intimidating feel in the air that day.  

“We were out for around 10 minutes before suddenly my friend was pulled off his board by his leg leash into the water. 

“Panic rose in the air as he flapped back onto his board. 

“Around a minute later an enormous grey head surfaced from the water around 10 metres from us and stayed with us for the next hour following us and bobbing amongst the waves. “It was an amazing experience. 

“However, my young son witnessed the panic unfold, so I came up with the story of Sid the Seal to ease his mind about the situation. Sid the Surfing Seal was born. We have just done a storytime at Newquay Library and I was overwhelmed by the turn out. We had an amazing response by the children and the parents who all enjoyed the reading and colouring afterwards.  

“The message of the book is one of marine conservation and a love for all of its creatures, alongside spreading a positive message about finding your place in the world and staying true to yourself.” 

Sid the Seal has been published by Ocean Outlaws UK Publishing, and is on sale online worldwide at Amazon, Waterstones, sidtheseal.co.uk also instore in Waterstones stores regionally, Ann’s Cottage, Cornish Makers and The Wave Bristol. 

You can follow Sid’s journey on the website at www.sidtheseal.co.uk or on instagram @Sidthesealbooks.