Surfers on the NSW South Coast were out at Racecourse Beach, also known as Sandmines, between Bawley Point and Kioloa.

Boardriders thought they'd spotted a seal in the waves, before realising it was a joey swimming in the ocean.

"[They] stuck it on a surfboard rode into shore," WIRES volunteer Zora Brown said.

The surfers wrapped the joey in a towel and continued surfing for another 45 minutes thinking the young roo would find its mother.

It was either nurture by the surfers or in the joey's nature, but he grew fond of the surfers and followed the group back to their car along the track.

Ms Brown said the 5.3 kilogram joey was "wet, cold and very sandy" when she first tended him, but was now warm, dry and cosy.

"The joey is doing great and we've named him Rip since he was caught in one out at sea," she said.

He will remain in a quiet room until he is settled and hydrated.

"He is very thirsty and has eagerly guzzled 200ml of hydration fluids already since 10am."

If you find any injured or orphaned wildlife, phone WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Milton-Ulladulla Times