Fur seals are fabulous swimmers, and they're pretty athletic all around, but what happens when they compete against humans on dry land? Some Aquarium staff members and friends took the fur seals on in a series of athletic challenges, most of which included some swimming—at which the fur seals excel. But in the event where everyone had to balance on the deck on one hand (flipper) with feet together, bodies forming a sideways T, the humans had the advantage. The last man (or woman or seal) standing would win for his or her team. See what happened in the video below.



Want to see some more great competitions? Check out the collecting race, triathalon, speed swimming and the obstacle course.

It seems that everyone wants to challenge the Northern fur seals! After seeing some staff members and supporters go toe to flipper with Isaac, Cordova and Ursula in some Fitness Friday challenges, several of our VPs and our president and CEO decided to get in on the action.

Our President and CEO, Bud Ris, battled Isaac to see who could beautify the water in the New Balance Marine Mammal Center faster by pulling more toys out of the water and placing them on the deck.


Patty introduces (left to right) Bud Ris; Walter Flaherty, Executive Vice President and COO; Joe Zani, Vice President of Finance and Operations; and Billy Spitzer,Vice President of Planning, Programs and Exhibits.

Although Bud did his best to distract Isaac with his splashy dive into the pool, he was hampered by having to wear a bulky wetsuit. Isaac, on the other hand, has the advantage of his sleek fur, which allows him to glide through the water.

 Watch the video below to see who won.



As you can see, the fur seals and sea lions in the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center are inspiring athletes. Get inspired for your upcoming weekend and learn more about these active marine mammals by looking back at some previous Fitness Friday posts: Compare "landlubbing" harbor seals and fur seals. Ever wonder how well a sea lion plays soccer? Wonder no more. Check out Isaac's feats of strength in this post about learning new skills.

Would you challenge a Northern fur seal to a race? If you've been reading the Fitness Friday posts, you know that a team of Aquarium staffers and friends did. This team is training for the Tough Mudder competition, and they challenged the Northern fur seals to various races and tests of coordination and endurance.

In last week's post, a staffer went up against Cordova the fur seal in a triathlon of crawling, swimming and climbing.

In the video below, you can watch another team member compete against Ursula the fur seal in an obstacle course race that includes water, hoops and limbo poles.



The Tough Mudder team posts updates about their training and you can donate to help them raise money for the Aquarium here.

It's finally here! The friendly competition between the fur seals (aka Team Phoca) and Team Tiburon will take place at the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center at 12:30 pm and 2:45 pm today, so we hope you will be joining us in cheering on your favorite team.


A fur seal in training with her trainer, Erin

Of course, both teams have been busy preparing. The challenges that make up today's competition will take place both in and out of the water, but we already know that Northern fur seals are well adapted to moving around in different environments. Check out this video to see what the seals have been up to.



Be sure to check in next week for some of the highlights of today's event along with the final score. In the meantime, who do you think will be the winner?


The fur seals are holding their heads high, feeling pretty confident

In today's New Balance Foundation Fitness Friday post we take a look at the two different ways that our seals get around in the water. And they can certainly move it! Take a look at this video of Cordova and Reggae doing some speed swimming.



The moral of the story here is that there are lots of ways to be active. So get moving!

The harbor seals at the New England Aquarium may not have the long, graceful flippers of their furry cousins in the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, but they certainly can move. Watch as Trumpet and Amelia execute their version of a jump in the watery harbor seal exhibit.



If you're impressed by this marine mammal action, don't miss the rest of the New Balance Foundation Fitness Friday videos! Check out Isaac doing a flipper-stand, or see Ursula doing some good quality stretching with friends.

Photo: John Correa