Over 50 dogs hit the waves in the 18th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on Sunday. The event took place at Del Mar Dog Beach in Del Mar, California. One surfing dog, Sugar, took home first place in the “Best in Surf” finals.
Dogs compete in surfing event
According to People, judges sized up “length of their ride, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board,” of the “surFURs” in the competition. Three winners were chosen for each weight class. Then, the first-place winners progressed to the “Best in Surf” finals.
The top dogs in this year’s matchup were Sugar (first place), Delilah (second place), and Guinness (third place).
Another category, called Duos and Trios, saw two or three fur babies ride the waves on one surfboard.
Finally, there was a costume contest. This year’s theme was “rock stars and music legends.” A pair named Doodle and Nacho won first place. A pup named Ruffelina Delicious VonVicious received second place for dressing up as Prince.
More dogs receiving honors included:
- Cinnabella: Most Crafty
- Lily: Great Job Award
- Teddy Henry: Wow Award
- Willow, Kai, and Gilbert: Most Dedicated
- Chewy: Most Colorful
- Emma: Most Unique
People join in dog surfing event
Humans partook in the festivities, too. Dog-people pairs competed in a freestyle surf contest. The more creative the presentation, the more points they earned. Zia and Zailey received top accolades for that part of the event. There was also a Peeps & Pups tandem event on the agenda.
The Salton City Surf Club provided tunes, kids had a dedicated activity area, and attendees perused exhibitor booths at a fair.
Surfing competition benefits rescue
The event benefited the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Since 1972, the organization has provided “educational and therapeutic programs for people, as well as humane care and adoption for homeless animals,” according to its website.
In a Facebook post, the animal center thanked attendees as well as the “surFURS.” The organization proclaimed, “The 18th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon was a great success!”
