Surfing Santa makes annual Penobscot trip

BANGOR – It’s not quite as fast as a sleigh, but surfing Santa drew a small crowd Sunday as he made his seasonal voyage on the Penobscot River.

Since 1983, Charlie Sargent, 52, of Bangor has only missed one year of what’s become an annual windsurfing venture on the Penobscot.

Crazy? Yes. But not for Sargent.

“The first year was a dare,” Sargent said. Now it’s a tradition.

Not only does Sargent’s sail remind us that the holidays are just around the corner, but the windsurfer says he continues his crazy stunt as a reminder that we live in a country where he can do foolish things because of the sacrifices made by others.

Both of his parents are veterans who served in the Army.

“They did their thing so people could have the same freedom that we have now,” Sargent said.

He added that he wishes that American troops weren’t deployed, but realizes that it’s necessary.

“So many people forget so quickly what our troops are doing for us,” Sargent said as he made sure that small American flags were securely duct taped to each side of his sail.

“The main reason why I do my foolish [stunts] and other things like this is because I can,” Sargent said.

During the 23 times he has made the wintry Penobscot surf, Sargent said he has fallen in twice.

“I went swimming in the Santa suit,” Sargent said.

A dip at this time of year is made even colder because Santa doesn’t wear a wet suit under his bright red outfit.

He had planned on making the trip last weekend, but the wind was too much.

“If I put it off much longer, I’ll be on ice,” Sargent said in a phone conversation last week.

There was a little trouble getting the sail ready, which Sargent jokingly blamed on not having any coffee or Wheaties before arriving at the setup site near the Sea Dog restaurant.

Once on the water, the wind and current didn’t cooperate either, and instead of making a graceful exit from the river at the shoreline, Sargent pulled up to the side of where the dock normally is during summer months and was hauled up and over by friends who were waiting with a throw rope.

“This is the second time I’ve made an exit this way,” he said.

Only Sargent’s feet and Santa hat got wet, and 2007 proved to be another successful sail without falling overboard.

“I’ll be back next year,” he said.