Del Mar Dog Beach in Southern California recently hosted its 20th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, a unique charity event where dogs of all breeds and sizes showcased their surfing skills. The competition, organized by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, aimed to raise funds and awareness for neglected and abandoned pets, with all proceeds benefiting local animal welfare projects. The event saw around 70 four-legged participants riding the waves, judged on factors like ride duration, wave size, and maneuvers, with extra points awarded for barking and overall enthusiasm.
Event Highlights
- Dogs competed in categories based on size: small, medium, and large.
- The competition included a pairs category where dogs surfed alongside their owners.
- Judging criteria included ride duration, wave size, maneuvers, and the dog’s apparent enjoyment.
- A costume contest for dogs, with this year’s theme "The Movies," was also held.
Canine Competitors and Judging
Dogs, ranging from tiny Chihuahuas to water-loving Labradors, Pugs, Dalmatians, and mutts, paddled out to catch the waves. Each heat lasted ten minutes, with a maximum of three dogs allowed per board. Judges evaluated the dogs’ ability to stay on the board, their wave-riding technique, and their overall
Sources
- Who let the dogs… surf? – DW – 09/08/2025, DW.
- San Diego Canines Hit the Waves With Their Humans at the 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, Laughing Squid.
- 20th Annual Surf-A-Thon Includes Dogs, FOX 28 Spokane.
- Video. Dogs take to the waves in San Diego surf contest, Euronews.com.
