Surf’s up for Pacifica’s top dogs as rough waves test canine champions

Pacifica’s 10th World Dog Surfing Championships drew thousands despite hazardous surf, with canine competitors riding waves before rough conditions ended the final round.

Surf’s up for Pacifica’s top dogs as rough waves test canine champions

Thousands of spectators gathered at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica on Saturday for the 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships, where dogs of different sizes took on Northern California’s waves. The festive competition featured veteran surfers, newcomers, tandem teams and a strong emphasis on safety as conditions deteriorated.

Key takeaways

  • Fourteen to nearly 20 dogs competed in size-based and tandem divisions.
  • Rough surf and hazardous-condition warnings led organizers to cancel the final overall surf-off.
  • Bradley Cooper, Iza and Rippin Rosie won their respective size categories.
  • The free event also included food, merchandise, adoptions and fundraising for animal charities.

Despite the shortened schedule, the championships drew a crowd estimated in the thousands and delivered the spectacle fans have come to expect from Pacifica’s annual celebration of surfing dogs.

Canine competitors take on challenging waves

Small dogs opened the competition, including Miniature Pinscher Rusty, who wore goggles and his trademark leopard-print style. French bulldogs Iza and Rocket handled the medium division with steady rides, while Staffordshire bull terrier mix Sally impressed spectators by catching several waves as the surf became more turbulent.

Labrador retrievers Charlie, Koa and Rippin Rosie also managed multiple runs. Each dog wore a life jacket, and handlers helped position the boards before the animals rode toward shore.

Safety shapes the day’s results

A hazardous surf advisory and concerns about rip currents added risk to an event normally built around fun. Waves grew larger and choppier during the later heats, prompting officials to call off some runs and end the championship before the winners could compete for the grand prize.

Organizers said the decision prioritized the dogs’ safety. Smaller competitors were especially vulnerable to the increasingly powerful conditions, while even experienced surfers faced difficult approaches and rough landings.

Rippin Rosie and tandem teams thrill spectators

Rippin Rosie, a fearless yellow Lab known for surfing with owner Steve Drottar, drew loud cheers after riding several short waves. The pair also competed on a stand-up paddleboard, with Rosie standing at the front while Drottar steered toward the beach.

The tandem division produced both dramatic rides and comic moments. Carson Surf Dog, Rosie and Charlie briefly shared a board, while another competitor, Tiara, quickly returned to dry sand after deciding the water was not worth the effort.

Winners and a decade of community spirit

Judges evaluated ride length, wave size, balance, confidence and tricks. Bradley Cooper won the small-dog division, Iza took the medium category, and Rippin Rosie finished first among the large and extra-large dogs. The planned final showdown was not held because of the surf.

The event also celebrated stories of resilience. Twelve-year-old Koa, a rescue dog and cancer survivor, returned to competition after beginning her surfing journey six years ago. Organizers paired the championships with pet adoption activities and charitable fundraising, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a gathering for dog lovers as much as a sporting contest.

Organizers plan to bring the World Dog Surfing Championships back to Pacifica in 2027.

Sources