But being out of their comfort zone was all part of the plan, Otago Search and Rescue Dogs training co-ordinator Barry Dougherty said. They were taking part in an exercise for trainee dogs and handlers designed to help familiarise the dogs with boats.
In a rescue, dogs could be required to go on to a variety of boats, on rivers or sea, to get to a search area and it was important they were comfortable in that setting.
The surf trip was a first for 9-month old Tyke, who has been in training for three months and Ms Wallace said she had held on to both the boat and the dog ‘‘ for dear life'' the whole time.
‘‘It was a wee bit scary.''
Tyke had coped well, despite almost becoming airborne on one wave.
Another first-timer at the session was 2-year-old Lucy who, with handler Richard Warrington, will undertake a rigorous three-day assessment for national certification next month near Waiouru.
Mr Warrington said Lucy did not seem too worried by the boating experience. Certification allows dogs and handlers to participate in search and rescue operations.
Mr Dougherty said seven dogs ranging in age from eight months to 3 years were being trained.
