Goat surfers appeal to learners - 22nd September 2023

Surfing is becoming more and more popular everywhere, and in California, a small black goat has followed the trend. The animal, called Chupacabrah, shows others how to surf.

Tourist Kimberly Van Donsel first spotted Chupacabrah while she was browsing the internet for surfing courses.

Kimberly Van Donsel: "We saw it on the internet when we were searching because we wanted surf lessons and it just sounded so much fun. And we're used to working in agriculture. And I've honestly never seen goats surfing before. So yeah, and I raised goats for many years. So it's kind of a cool way to use them."

The goat idea came to surfing teacher Dana McGregor, or the 'Goatfather'; he enjoys the opportunity to increase people's - and animals' - experiences.

Dana McGregor: "You know, I think giving something or someone an experience that they've never had before is is pretty, is pretty powerful to me. And it's kind of what I live for, you know. It's because I love surfing so much, I, I love giving people or animals the opportunity to do something they've never done before."

The surf lover obtained a goat to eat up unwanted plants in his backyard. McGregor and 'Goatee' soon formed a close relationship and the sportsman decided to share his love of surfing. Goatee seemed to think it was the most normal thing in the world and demonstrated obvious skill on the waves. Other goats then followed.

Dana McGregor: "Yeah, they're pretty, pretty amazing out there. They can just kind of. You know, they got those hooves that just, yeah, cling to the board. Yeah, they got great balance.

After McGregor posted images of surfing goats on social media, a new business was born. The 'Surf Goat Day' packages provide a surf lesson, rental of the surfboard and a ride with a surfing goat.

Elizabeth French had a fabulous time.

Elizabeth French: "I think it kind of does bring a little bit of like, if the goat can do it, I can do it too! And don't dump the goat. So, I don't know, it was just a lot of fun, and something I would totally want everybody to experience."

Beginner Rebekah Abern immediately realised that the goat knew how to behave on water. Its skill and positioning on the board were professional and there was no doubt who was the better surfer!

Rebekah Abern: "The goat surfed way better than I did. Yeah, she was all about it. She had the positioning and you could tell she'd done it before."