Surf’s pup - Tillman the beach boy bulldog takes to the waves in California

Doggie paddle is obviously far too easy for Tillman, a six-month-old bulldog. After all he is Californian and, possibly inspired by the Beach Boys, he has made surfing his favourite pastime.

Tillman likes nothing better on a beautiful March morning than to accompany his owner Ron Davis to the beach in Oxnard, north of Malibu.

Mr Davis throws out the skimboard which Tillman chases until he can jump on with all four paws and ride the surf.

After Tillman has hung twenty in a tube without a mullering* he picks up the board in his teeth and starts barking at his owner for another go.

Then he gets wrapped up in a towel as his ever indulgent owner dries him off. Which may not be de rigueur on Bondi or Fistral Beach but is pretty cool for a canine.

*hang twenty in a tube without a mullering means to curl all the toes/paws over the edge of the board while riding a hollow wave (the surfer's ultimate goal) without falling into the water.