Canine Surfers Catch Waves at World Dog Surfing Championships

by Nevena Nacic

August 9th, 2023 6:58 AM

KK Stock/Shutterstock

The World’s cutest surfing competition took place on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 at Linda Mar Beach, in Pacifica near San Francisco. The annual event is part of the World Dog Surf Championships, bringing together adorable four-legged surfers from across the nation.

Outfitted in wetsuits, colorful life jackets, goggles, and sunglasses, the pooches were a sight for sore eyes as they rode the waves in an attempt to win first place in one of seven categories. This year’s event attracted a big crowd that reveled in the day filled with fun dog-themed activities, including a pet wellness fair, beach dog fashion and costume contest, mobile pet adoptions, and yappy hour after event.

Visitors had a chance to find a new four-legged best friend through mobile pet adoptions and owners could get expert advice on pet care, ask any questions, and get their current dog checked out by a licensed veterinarian.

This event isn’t just about dogs riding waves - it’s also a fundraising event for local animal rescue and welfare groups like Rocket Dog Rescue and Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Also, a portion of the money raised is set for environmental and surfing nonprofit organizations.

First to hit the waves were small dogs, followed by medium, large, and very large canine surfers. To help a four-legged surfer catch the perfect wave, two human surfers held the board with the dog on it. And when the right wave rolled in and was small enough for the dog to safely balance on it, they would let the board go.

The pooches would ride the wave to the shore, before jumping off to the beach to be greeted by loyal fans. A panel of judges picked the winners based on the length of their ride on the wave and their surfing style.

Carson and Delilah shared first place in the small dog category and Cherie, an 11-year-old French bulldog won for medium dogs. Her owners Amy and Dan Nykolayko told the San Francisco Chronicle “She loved the water from the start. Her first time at the beach she bolted to the water.” Dan and Cherie learned to surf together and attended their first surfing competition a week before Cherie’s second birthday.

This was Cherie’s second time winning at the World Dog Surfing Championships as the took the title in 2019 too. “She picked it up faster than me,” Dan said.

The waves this year come quickly and were choppier, creating challenging conditions for canine surfers. But that didn’t stop Faith, a 12-year-old American pitbull terrier from San Diego to win in the large dog category. Fath’s owner James Wall explained “It was like, as soon as you clear one wave, the next one is right behind you. It’s great for humans but a little tough for humans with dogs.”

In addition to solo categories for dogs of all sizes, humans could participate with their pooches in a human-dog tandem category. There was also an award for the best dog-dog surf tandem of the day.

Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

More by Nevena Nacic

Popular Pet Guide

Petting Other People’s Dogs, Even Briefly, Can Reduce Stress

View Article

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Basics You have to leave it to dog breeders: they make very simple names for their breeds. There is perhaps no better example of that than the Australian Cattle Dog, so dubbed because it was bred in Australia for – what else? – herding cattle. Because of the terrain of Australia, this cattle dog has been bred to have plenty of endurance, cover long distances, and generally have an assertive and athletic demeanor. But if you’ve found your way to this site, there’s a good chance you’re wondering about the Australian Cattle Dog as a family pet, not necessarily as a working dog. There’s good news on this front: the Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor that is generally considered to be healthy enough personality-wise for a family to take home. Like any breed, this brand of dog is not without its own challenges and unique characteristics, but that’s exactly what you’re here to explore. Let’s take a closer look at this unique-looking breed and find out more about what makes the Australian Cattle Dog such a special type of dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor, the perfect dog for a family. Origin Just look in the name! These dogs are Australian, they’re bred to herd cattle, and, well, they’re dogs. Of course, anyone simply guessing about Australian Cattle Dogs is able to figure out just this much when it comes to this breed, so let’s dig a little deeper and find out some more. Naturally, the history begins Down Under. While many people might associate a breed of dog, for example, the German Shepherd, as being more classic breed, the Australian Cattle Dog actually goes back even further in terms of documented history. You’d have to start around 1802 if you want to learn about this breed of dog (and, if you’re taking notes, the German Shepherd would officially emerge in the same century, albeit some time later). A man named Thomas Hall realized the need for a certain type of dog that would be suited to the task the Australian Cattle Dog has been named for, so he imported a number of breeds of similar type and with similar abilities and bred them. The dogs were useful and popular enough that they eventually rose under the name of Cattle Dog – throughout the 19th century, their popularity grew rapidly. Eventually they became more popular in the United Kingdom and United States, as well. Pedigree

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Basics When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there’s a good chance you imagine the Bernese Mountain Dog. A type of Sennenhund from Switzerland, this large dog has the athleticism, temperament, and general sociability that many people would consider makes it an ideal pet. Originally farm dogs, they’re accustomed especially to country life and have a general ability to get along with animals of different species like horses and cows, making them ideal for, of course, farmers. But not having a farm is no reason to ignore a breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog. With a good instinct for guardianship as well as a healthy disposition toward outdoor activity and a general sociability, this dog is versatile enough to make a great pet for your family. Perhaps it’s appropriate that this breed often wears three colors, because it’s also capable of handling a variety of roles around your house, as well. Let’s take a closer look at the Bernese Mountain Dog’s characteristics and see if it’s really right for you and your family. It’s hard to go wrong with large dogs that are used to activity and companionship, but there might be something about the Bernese Mountain Dog that convinces you this breed is the one for you and yours. When you think of a dog with a classic, tri-colored coat appearance, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a Bernese Mountain Dog. Origin “Bernese” refers to the Canton of Berne in Switzerland where these dogs originated as farm animals that would accompany farmers on a number of tasks. This helps explains its versatility and natural disposition when in open fields and in the country. Interestingly, the Bernese Mountain Dog was used during the Civil War as a war dog but eventually its numbers for this purpose declined. The breed was revitalized in the United States later on, and today enjoys a new popularity both in Switzerland and in the U.S. Back in Switzerland, the breed was at one point referred to as the “Godly” as a reference to a village where they were believed to have spent a lot of time in. Pedigree

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Basics A low-to-the-ground dog willing to give you plenty of obedience and all the activity you can handle, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a prime example of a dog that can be a good challenge for those who want to develop dog leadership skills. Even though leadership skills are required of virtually any type of dog, you’ll soon realize that you have to be up to this “challenge” if you want a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be a perfectly friendly, ready-to-please breed that is nice to children as long as it understands its place in the pecking order. Considering how common this is across a variety of dog breeds, there might be something else about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi that attracts you to the breed. Maybe it’s the small, house-ready features or simply its lively, often-submissive personality. Whatever it is about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi that attracts you to this breed, it’s time to fill in the blanks and learn even more about what makes it unique. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be a perfectly friendly, ready-to-please breed. Origin Many believe that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi first arrived at Cardiganshire in 1,200 B.C. If so, this makes the breed among the oldest known breeds. Like many dogs, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi built up its instincts by being of a certain use to farmers… in this case, British farmers who would need a way to herd cattle without taking up a lot of space. Herding remains a strong instinct in the Cardigan to this day, and we’ll get into a little bit more detail later to explain how this behavior can manifest itself in the 21st century. Being suited for the outdoors but able to handle smaller spaces, thanks to this upbringing, the origins of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi have led to it becoming a flexible outdoor/indoor dog, capable of handling city life or rural life. As the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed grew and was eventually recognized as its own breed in the 1930s, it attained this flexibility by living in many small-acre farms and lots. Pedigree

Poodle

Poodle Basics When you think of a poodle, what kind of dog do you think of? Many of us immediately imagine the Toy Poodle. However, that is only one of the many types of Poodle out there. Sure, the Toy Poodle is iconic, but as a breed, the Poodle has a surprising amount of variety and versatility. Poodles can be athletic, rambunctious, energetic – just about anything under the sun. At least relative to the expectations of Poodles that many people bring to the table. People are far too willing to put the Poodle in a box of limited expectations. The Poodle deserve more respect than that. They are such a rich and exciting dog breed filled with possibilities. Hopefully over time, The Poodle will finally get the respect that they deserve as one of the most exciting, versatile, and intelligent dog breeds around. The Poodle is an extremely smart dog, ranking second only below the Border Collie as the most intelligent dog breed. They are highly-trainable and make excellent service and therapy dogs. As family pets and companions, these popular dogs are loving, playful and even a bit mischievous. You’ll never be bored with a Poodle by your side. In fact, you’ll have to keep an eye on your Poodle companion to make sure that they don’t use those big and powerful brains to get up to trouble. While a lot of people might think of Poodles as the epitome of a lapdog with an elaborate hairstyle, these dogs come in all sizes- from toy to standard Poodles that weigh up to 70 pounds. If you want to find out which type of Poodle is the right one for you- or if the breed is a good match for your family in the first place- read on. As you may have gathered by now, there are so many different types of Poodles out there that almost impossible that that there won’t be one that can fit into your lifestyle. As a breed, this dog has a surprising amount of variety and versatility. Origin The Poodle might seem like a posh show dog, but these dogs actually started out as working dogs (generally as water retrievers, or “gun dogs”). Their original role was to assist hunters in retrieving waterfowl (such as ducks) from the water. Their curly coat, which is now primped up for dog shows, was valued for its moisture-resistant qualities. The German word “pudel,” in fact, actually refers to all the splashing these pips would get up to during any hunt. The English word “Poodle” was derived from it. Even though the breed originated in 19th century Germany, the standard was perfected in France, which considers Poodle to be a national dog breed. These dogs are now known primarily as show dogs and pets. Selective breeding had a great deal to do with this change in perception. There are three varieties of Poodle, and according to the American Kennel Club, the oldest of these varieties is the large or ‘Standard’ variety. The Poodle was bred to have a water-resistant coat – which helps explain the quality of the current dog’s coat – that was eventually groomed and patterned according to taste and style rather than worrying simply about functionality. Other types of Poodle today include Toy and Miniature. Although they retain the main traits of their full-sized relatives, their compact size makes them a perfect fit for condo and apartment dwellers. They are generally quite well behaved pooches who can get on well within a small space and can be left alone for extended periods of time without causing too much trouble. Other types of Poodle today include Toy and Miniature. Pedigree

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel Basics In the world of dogs there is perhaps no breed more associated with a specific name than the Cocker Spaniel. The name Cocker Spaniel rolls off the tongue and reflects the actual appearance of the Spaniel itself – a small, flowing, elegant animal that is well-balanced and has a general reputation for good behavior. But what about the Cocker Spaniel makes it such a quintessential dog? Like many breeds, the Cocker Spaniel has a rich history updated into a modern appearance, but the Spaniel is not as old as even the Rottweiler. In this brief guide, we’ll take a look at the Cocker Spaniel and address how it became a breed synonymous with “quality dog.” The Cocker Spaniel is small, flowing, and elegant, and has a general reputation for good behavior. Origin The mention of “Spanyells” goes back as far as the Middle Ages – the 14th century, to be exact. There’s a good chance these Spanyells weren’t exactly the Cocker Spaniels we know today, but this specific breed of dog has certainly enjoyed a rich history. It’s assumed Spaniels first appeared in Spain during this time, but the first appearance of the phrase “Cocker Spaniel” didn’t originate until the 1800s, when a specific type of field spaniel began assuming the name. At the time, in England, the phrase Cocker Spaniel could also refer to a number of other spaniels such as the Norfolk and Sussex Spaniels, which today could be considered different breeds. This general classification gave rise to a low standard of calling a dog a Cocker Spaniel: until around 1870, the only characteristic a dog named a “Cocker Spaniel” had to have was a weight of under 25 pounds. Needless to say, the standards have risen, but the story helps illustrate why the phrase “Cocker Spaniel” seems to associate itself with any manner of small dogs.

Best Invisible Fences for Dogs

If you have a dog who is a flight risk and you’re worried they’d jump at the opportunity to wiggle out of your backyard when left unattended, an invisible fence for dogs will help you ensure your pet stays safely contained on your property. Easy to set up and highly effective, invisible fences for dogs can be installed either in-ground or above ground, and work with a receiver collar your pet needs to wear – once they near the border you’ve set up with the wiring or transmitters, the collar will beep, vibrate, or produce a static shock to train your pet to stay clear of certain areas of your property. To help you find the right type of invisible fence for your property and your pet’s level of training, we’ve rounded up the best invisible fences for dogs on the market right now – read on to find the perfect match!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats

Pumpkin spice is anything but basic. Need proof? Just take a look at our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats!

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Donovan

This kind-hearted hunk is looking for a forever home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Donovan, a 4 years old Shepherd mix from Middletown, Delaware. He is neutered, microchipped, up to date on his vaccines, and housetrained. Donovan does well with other dogs but hasn’t been tested around kitties. The recommendation is that he goes to an adult-only household or a family with children over the age of 14 – not because he doesn’t like kids, but because he weighs around 90 lbs and could inadvertently knock a young kid down during playing. Donovan’s TaleYou wouldn't believe it but this handsome fella has spent some time in shelters and rescues – through no fault of his own, mind you. Donovan is a big guy with a happy-go-lucky attitude and an even bigger heart, and he would flourish with the right people by his side. He has all of his manners – he knows that you shouldn’t go potty inside the house, he walks well on the leash, and already knows a few tricks. And considering how much he loves treats, you’d probably be able to teach quite a few more on your own!Donovan is an active, outdoorsy dog that will love going on rides and adventures with you. He loves spending time outside, so a fenced yard is a must if you want to adopt this cutie pie. As for other pets, Donovan would love to share his new home with another dog as he tends to get along great with other canines, especially those that have a personality similar to his – laid-back, playful, and loving! And once he’s done with exploring, running around, and playing, either with you or his canine sibling, Donovan will be more than happy to snuggle up to you for some quality snuggles. If you think Donovan sounds like a dream boat, contact It Takes a Village Animal Rescue (Delaware) to learn more about him and the adoption process. 

BARK Customizes Dog Food To Ensure The Best Diet For Your Best Friend

You’ve probably heard about lots of different BARK Products: BarkBox, Super Chewer and even BARK Dental.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Family’s New Pet Rabbit Isn't Friendly

Who doesn’t love a fluffy, floppy eared, cute, and cuddly pet rabbit? Small, smart, sociable, and relatively short-lived, rabbits are becoming an increasingly popular pet choice today. But what can you do when you bring home a new pet rabbit and the experience is nothing like what your family was expecting? You ask the animal communicator, of course!

Ask the Animal Communicator: My Cat Is Always Hiding From My Friends

The feline mystique is real. As any true cat lover knows, it is impossible to make a cat do anything a cat doesn’t want to do. And sometimes this can make for truly awkward interspecies family situations. What can you do when you have tried everything to invite your cat to change and their behavior just keeps staying the same? You ask the animal communicator, of course!

5 Best Rabbits for Companions

We all know that rabbits are amongst the cuddliest and friendliest companions a person could have. Thanks to their lovely personalities and charming quirks, they are consistently at the top of the list of most popular pets across the world. But did you know that there are hundreds of registered rabbit breeds in the world? Many of them are common as pets in the United States, which leaves you with a hefty list to choose from when you’re considering which rabbit breed to adopt. But we can help narrow your search! If you are looking for a pet rabbit that makes a great companion – whether you are single or want a family pet – we are bringing you a list of bunnies that will excel in that role! Fluffy, funny, and affectionate, they will share in on your adventures around the house and elsewhere, providing you with their company as only a few pets can. Read on to find your rabbit soulmate!

Best Natural Supplements For Dogs

‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ – if it stands true for us, why wouldn't it be the same for our pets? If you want what’s best for your four-legged friend, you have to take a proactive approach to their health, which means working on preventing issues before they happen in the first place. Even if your pet already has certain health problems, such as joint pain or allergies, it doesn’t mean you need to allow it to progress to a more severe form – with some help from natural supplements for dogs.Available in a range of formulas to target different issues, natural supplements for dogs are made without artificial ingredients or toxic chemicals and instead rely on the power of tried-and-true ingredients found in nature that have proven beneficial properties for our canine friends. They are completely safe to use and can be a great preventative measure or complementary addition to your pet’s existing treatment.If you're unsure which natural supplements for dogs are made from the best ingredients and are considered the most efficient, read on – we’ve selected the best natural supplements for dogs of all shapes and sizes!

Treats More Likely to Get Your Dog's Attention Than Calling Their Name

Did ever crinkling a bag of chips or opening the fridge door manage to get your pooch’s attention even when they’re seemingly deeply asleep, in another room? Yup, we’ve all been there. It’s no secret that treats are the favorite thing in the world for most pets, but did you know that their love for yummies is so strong that they even react to the very word treat? A new study showed that it’s much likelier for a dog to respond to their owner by saying the word treat than by calling out their name.The study was commissioned by Cliff Pet, and the survey included around 2,000 dogs and their owners – around 52% of those dogs were reported to come running when they hear the word treat or cookie. On the other hand, when called by their name, only 37% of dogs would consistently respond. I mean, who’s to blame them – it doesn’t guarantee you a yummy reward when you show up! Furthermore, 67% of dog owners reported that their pets are very food motivated, and 47% of them say their dog comes running when they open the treat container. With all that in mind, it doesn’t really come as a surprise that 4 out of 10 pet owners used treats as a reward, and 3 out of 4 believed that without using treats, they wouldn't have been able to successfully train their dog. In fact, the surveyed dog owners concluded that around 20% of their dog's vocabulary is treat-based, and that treats make for almost a third of their overall caloric intake, at 27%.However, there can be ‘too much of a good thing’ when it comes to treats. While it’s undeniable that delicacies are a great motivator and a way to reward good behavior or a job well done, experts agree that treats shouldn’t make up for more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Instead of pampering your pooch with the canine version of junk food and snacks, it’s best to opt for moderate portions and treats made with wholesome, healthy ingredients that will nourish your pet’s body instead of contributing to issues such as obesity. When it comes to training, you might want to look into specific training treats that are small and low on calories precisely so they can be given more often as a reward for successfully learned commands and tricks. And it’s not only using treats as bribes that should make you more mindful about the quantity and the quality of treats you’re giving to your pooch. When you consider that over 60% of owners said that they give their pet treats to cheer themselves up – seeing your pet happy is a quick way to boost your mood, after all – it’s clear that it’s very important to consider the quality of treats and canine nutrition overall. The best thing you can do for your dog is to feed them healthy foods – even though they might wag their tail for a treat that’s artificially flavored and calorie-laden, in the long run, it can only cause trouble for them and that’s the last thing any dog owner wants.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe This Halloween

If you have one or more cats, there are several hazards and dangers to be concerned about on Halloween. Check out the tips below to learn about a few ways to keep your kitties safe while enjoying this fun holiday.

Golden Mountain Dog

Golden Mountain Dog Basics Anyone who’s in search of a larger canine breed that will be super affectionate and loyal will fall in love with the Golden Mountain Dog. These attractive pooches will adore you forever, and they won’t be afraid to show you how much they think you’re the center of their universe. But they’ll expect just as much love and attention from you in return. Active families will also enjoy the company of a Golden Mountain Dog, who won’t think twice about going hiking or jogging with you. So if you’re the type of person who has the time to devote to an attention-seeking dog, and you’re willing to take your pet on all of your adventures, this could be the perfect breed. The Golden Mountain Dog is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog. Origin The Golden Mountain Dog is a designer dog breed whose origins aren’t entirely clear. Pedigree

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Miniature Australian Shepherd BasicsSometimes you want an athletic working dog that isn’t big enough to qualify as a roommate. Thankfully, they are widely available. So, if you are looking for a small and compact dog with the strong work ethic of a much larger breed, consider the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed is a smaller form of the Australian Shepherd that is rapidly increasing in popularity. So, you’ll get everything that you could possibly want out of an Australian Shepard, without having to sacrifice the space that you’d need for that big boy. Owing to the place of origin, these dogs are recognized by the AKC under the name Miniature American Shepherd.Not only are Miniature Australian Shepherds small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train. It may sound too good to be true, but trust us – these dogs are truly fabulous! They really live up to all that hype. Miniature Australian Shepherds can be trained for a wide variety of dog sports including agility, herding, obedience, disc dog, fly ball, and many more, as they excel in them just as the original Australian Shepherd dog does. If you are on the lookout for a smart, trainable, and family friendly dog, look no further than the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed will provide everything that you are looking for. And then some!While looking cute and being smart is more than enough to win over any potential owner, it’s not the only thing these dogs can offer. The Miniature Australian Shepherd – or Miniature American Shepherd, if you want to get technical about it – is also quite friendly, affectionate, and fiercely loyal to their family. One could say that these dogs are really the whole package! Not only is the Miniature Australian Shepherd small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train.OriginThe Miniature Australian Shepherd is a fairly new breed. Believe it or not, this breed was actually developed in 1968. Back then, Doris Cordova of Norco, California began a breeding program with the dream of developing a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. By using small Australian Shepherds, Cordova and a handful of other breeders were successful in creating a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd. Yet, throughout the short history of the breed, there has been a great deal of controversy. The National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR) considered the Miniature Australian Shepherd a size variant of the Australian Shepherd, while the Australian Shepherd Club of America considered it an entirely separate breed. For many years, it was impossible to get these two organizations on the same page. Both the AKC and the UKC grouped the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd together. Things finally changed in 2011. That’s when the AKC at long last admitted the Miniature Australian Shepherd to the Foundation Stock Service (under the name Miniature American Shepherd). Then in 2015, they granted full recognition to the breed. It took a while, but it happened. Still, no matter how you look at it, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a truly wonderful dog, whether they consider it a new breed or not.Pedigree

Arabian Mau

Arabian Mau Breed History The Arabian Mau is one of the oldest of all of the natural feline breeds. Only recently has this desert cat become recognized as an actual breed, even though it has been common in the Arabian Peninsula, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, for over 1,000 years. In fact, if you go to those parts of the world, you will commonly find Arabian Maus living as street cats, surviving independently and adapting to their environment even as the deserts are transformed into cities. “Mau” is actually the Egyptian word for “cat,” and these kitties are active at night, preferring to sleep during the day just like their ancestors did in order to avoid the hot sun of the desert. So, this might be something to consider before bringing one into your family, especially if you would be annoyed by a pet that tends to prefer the nighttime to explore and play. This is a popular breed because, in addition to the Arabian Mau’s beautiful appearance, they can also develop a strong bond with their human family. So, if you are in search of a natural feline breed and you are ready to devote a lot of time and attention to your furry companion, the Arabian Mau might be a stellar choice. The Arabian Mau is one of the oldest of all of the natural feline breeds. Breed Traits

Canine Surfers Catch Waves at World Dog Surfing Championships

Popular Pet Guide

Petting Other People’s Dogs, Even Briefly, Can Reduce Stress

Popular Article

Pandemic Pups Are Now Filling the Shelters

Canine Surfers Catch Waves at World Dog Surfing Championships

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles