Eat your heart out Stuart Little: Radical rodents become the world's first surfing mice (on their own tiny boards)

By Mail Foreign Service

Being able to stand up on a surfboard is a feat to be proud of - especially if you happen to be a mouse.

These are the incredible surfing mice, who are conquering the ocean on custom-built, tiny surfboards.

Eight-month-old males Rocket, Peanut, Skidmark and Banzai have learned all the skills they need to maneuvre breakers on the beach.


And it's all down to boat builder Shane Wilmott, 39, who spotted their talent.

He hand crafts miniature mouse-sized replicas of real surf boards and teaches his amazing troupe how to master them.

They are even able to turn on the boards while travelling by shifting their weight.  

Mr Wilmott, who breeds mice in his Gold Coast, Australia home, said: 'Contrary to popular belief mice are actually unbelievable swimmers - so if they come off they are fine to paddle around until I collect them.

'A lot of people ask me if fish are sharks to them and worry they might get eaten. Gulls are actually a more realistic threat so I have to stay close by to make sure my guys are safe.





Mr Wilmott taught his first mice to surf 25 years ago when he was a teenager.

'Me and a few mates were hanging out at the beach and watching these perfect little waves form close to shore.  

'I remember wishing I was small so that I could have a go on these perfect specimens and then it hit me that a louse on a tiny board could.'

Steady: The mice do need a bit of help getting started on each wave from trainer Shane Wilmott, above, being unable to paddle with their tiny paws

He recently had the urge to redevelop the boards and, using his boat-building skills, now makes the best miniature surf boards in the world.

Pet mice Rocket, Peanut, Skidmark and Banzai are reaping the benefits.

Mr Wilmott said: 'I teach them how to do it in the bath at first so they can get used to their custom-made boards.

'Once they've got some confidence we move out to the pool in my back yard and tow them using a remote controlled boat.

'That gets them very proficient travelling at the speed of the little waves at the beach and then they are ready to do it for real.

Crowds often gather in amazement to watch the tiny surfers do their thing.

'People can't believe it,' Mr Wilmott said.

'They see the tiny boards but they don't realise there are real mice actually riding the waves until they come over for a look. It really makes people smile.'