This is the heartwarming moment surfers in California befriended a seal who wanted to learn how to ride the waves.

Drone footage showed the animal approaching the group on Pacific Beach, in San Diego, over the weekend much to their delight.

The pup did not seem shy and could be seen jumping from board to board, also resting on its side.

All surfers seemed to keep their distance, giving the seal space, but the smiles on their faces were bright.

The seal climbed onto a surfer’s board, sunbathing on the edge (Picture: SWNS)

The unusual encounter took place as the group held a line-up meeting in the sea.

In one scene, the seal appeared to wave its fin at the drone filming from the air.

The video was filmed by ‘Drone Dude Ed’. 

Surfer Kim Evgenia called this ‘the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me’.

The group was delighted by the encounter (Picture: SWNS)

‘I am never getting rid of this board,’ she added.

‘I am endlessly grateful to Drone Dude Ed for being there with me and catching this incredible moment on his camera.’

According to eyewitnesses, the pup was unusually friendly and seemed unafraid of the surfers.

Nearby SeaWorld officials were informed of what had happened and sent a team of experts to check on the animal.

A SeaWorld spokesperson said: ‘There was no need to intervene as the pup appeared to be old enough to care for itself.’

The spokesperson added that there had been no reports of a dead seal in the area after surfers claimed the pup’s mother had died.

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One surfer described it as ‘the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me’.