On a sunny beach in Sydney, a group of adventurous rescue dogs are catching waves—literally. Led by surfing champ and dog trainer Chris De Aboitiz, these pups are learning how to surf alongside their human coach.
Two of the star surfers, Rama and Millie, aren’t just passengers. They’ve been trained to leap over Chris on the board while riding a wave, getting a full dose of sea breeze and fun. Chris compares the training to parenting—it’s all about giving dogs both love and structure. “When they’re on the board, they’re not allowed to move around. They can be curious, just not out of control,” he explains.
Chris travels along Australia’s east coast with his four dogs, not only surfing but also visiting rescue centers. His goal? To teach volunteers and staff how to care for animals with a balance of affection and discipline.
While some dogs are eager to ride the waves, others are more comfortable staying on solid ground, paws planted firmly in the sand.
And in an unexpected bonus at the end of the video, we also get a quick look at a different animal sport – rabbit show jumping, which is gaining popularity in Scandinavia.