This is the moment a paddle boarding family in England had a shocking but happy encounter with a hitchhiking seal.

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Daren Ford and Kerrie Rocket were paddling along the River Arun near Littlehampton in West Sussex when a playful seal swam up to the group and climbed right up onto Kerrie's board.

Daren from Hayling Island in Hampshire was able to record the unusual encounter with his camera.

Daren, a roofing company manager said they were five miles up the river and had dropped their boards in from the pontoon boat and were paddling for an hour or so.

"This was our first visit to this area and only my third time on a board," he says. "We were chatting away oblivious that we were being followed by a seal.

"To our amazement the seal just started going from one board to another jumping on and relaxing!"

They had no food out and were not encouraging him in anyway, keeping their distance as much as possible.

At first they were worried that the seal was in trouble or maybe aggressive, but soon realized he was healthy and just being curious.

"It was an amazing experience but it never really sank in until we got home and realized how rare this actually happens."

WATCH the sweet family moment…

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