Surfing Gold Coast duck offers more than just quacks

A Gold Coast woman has fulfilled her retirement dream of training a pet duck to swim and surf at the beach alongside her.

Kate Miller and her duck have become a local fixture, crossing the road at Rainbow Bay most mornings before heading to the beach.

"He's a scream, he's funny, he's got personality, he's got attitude," Miller said of her pet.

READ MORE: Aussie state becomes the first to stamp out soy sauce fish containers

Beyond its quirky beachside presence, the duck appears to facilitate social interaction, particularly for Miller.

"He hangs out in the neighbourhood," Miller said, and "rides his bike".

The duck's impact extends beyond simple companionship.

"It's interaction, you meet new people," Miller said.

Furthermore, the duck seems to have a unique ability to connect with individuals who may otherwise be withdrawn.

"He has some special friends, kids [with] autism talk to a duck [who] won't speak to anyone else."

The duck's role in Miller's life and the broader community highlights the importance of social connections, especially in retirement.

This comes as a recent UniSuper survey indicates potential challenges in this area for many Australians.

"Our report shows 61 per cent of Australians are worried about social connections being lost because you can't go to work every day," Dani Murrie from UniSuper said.

"Having purpose is essential for a great retirement and a great outcome."

The duck's presence serves as a reminder of the potential for animals to foster connections and provide purpose, particularly during significant life transitions.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.