Most surfers don't like sharing the line-up with sea lions and for good reason – a 300kg-plus male can certainly play rough and like to make their presence known in the water.  
 
Whether you live in fear of meeting one in the water or not, you have to admit that New Zealand sea lions are an impressive asset to our coastline. This past week we were fortunate enough to meet Gem and her three-day-old pup at Tomahawk Beach. It's a pretty special feeling to be able to sit for a few hours and watch the young pup of one of the world's most threatened sea lion species right here on a Dunedin city beach.
 
New Zealand sea lions are now listed as “nationally critical”, which is the highest threat category in New Zealand. This puts them in the same category as the kakapo and Maui’s dolphin. Any species that has undergone a greater than 70% population decline over a period of less than three generations is considered “nationally critical”. There are less than 150 sea lions in Otago.
 
We found a bit of advice written by Doc Coastal Otago Ranger Jim Fyfe on how to best deal with a sea lion encounter.
 
"Sea lions can be curious and they like to play. Try not to get into a situation where you are running away from a young sea lion; they think it is a game. Back away slowly, and get right out of their space. Often, with playful sea lions, the trick is about timing; they are easily distracted. If you wait out of view for five minutes they are likely to have moved on."
 
And in the water you need to appear less exciting than your mates.
 
"Sea lions are truly in their element when in the water ... you cannot hide from a sea lion that has taken an interest in you. Remember they are usually just curious. Sea lions approach people in the same way they would approach another sea lion, but they have a way of saying hello that tests your nerves. Once you are approached at close quarters it is important not to engage, even if they are just playing. Would you play wrestle with someone who weighed over 200kg? Avoid engaging by not making eye contact and by moving slowly away. Do not race away in a panic, or try to push the sea lion. Stay horizontal in the water. The sea lion may try to mouth your fins (or the end of your booties); ignore him – this is his ploy to get you to engage. Be really boring. The sea lion will divide his attention between everyone in a group, so there will be more time to relax and enjoy the experience if you are swimming with others."
 
Okay, simple really ... hope you don't have to put that to the test.
 
See you at the beach ...