Californian surfer rides crest of cheery wave with cool goat
- 25 Mar 2021
Gulf Today Report
This creature certainly has not got the surfer’s goat. Far from it, it is a feelgood and adorable accompaniment not only for Californian Dana McGregor but his friends too, including children. The goat, Pismo, is the cynosure of all eyes as it accompanies its human friends while they ride the crest of a bubbly wave.
And Pismo has a healing touch too: it helps children overcome their phobia of the sea waves.
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As cheering children and men frantically paddle their inflatable surfboard through the frothy Pacific waves onto the beach, one passenger placidly sits in the bow taking it all in – a large, white goat, Pismo.
California surfer Dana McGregor has always loved the thrill of catching a wave, but it wasn't until he took his pet surfing with him one day that he truly found his calling.
"I got one goat to clear my poison oak in the backyard and I decided to take it surfing on my birthday and then I just ended up surfing goats," recalled McGregor of the day his goat-surfing journey began almost ten years ago.
McGregor, 42, now teaches children how to surf from Pismo Beach, north of Santa Barbara, using Pismo and another pet goat Grover to help them overcome their fear of the water.
"When it's your first time it feels scary but actually after you keep on doing it and doing it, it's really fun," said 10-year-old Mileah Robbins, fresh from riding a wave with eight-year-old Pismo.
The goats seem to enjoy it too, judging by Pismo's relaxed expression as it hit the waves, according to Reuters.
"There's a freedom in surfing that you can't find just anywhere," said McGregor, hugging his goats as they stand on the boardwalk, attracting attention from children and other passers-by.
"You're riding waves that God brings us, that bring healing and joy and freedom and peace into our lives so I want everyone to experience that."