The World Dog Surfing Championships – the most prestigious four-legged surf comp

The world of surfing is growing internationally to such an extent, even dogs are shredding on boards now! Who would have imagined four-legged surfers shooting down the line? The World Dog Surfing Championships awaits a new four-legged champ!

The World Dog Surfing Championships are based in California, enjoying some of the world's best surf locations. The concept originated in San Francisco, bringing dog owners and surfers together for some dog surfing!

The championships take place every year on August 5th, near Pacifica (a beach community just south of San Francisco).

A series of activities will decide the winner. The activities include surfing, partner races, and tent challenges, and fashion will decide the annual winner.

Dog surfers are invited to bring home the gold, not only for the reputation as the 'gnarliest' four-legged surfer in town but for charity!

The event helps local charities raise money by sponsoring a contestant or a team. A portion of the proceeds of the event goes to dog, environmental, and surfing nonprofit organizations.

What is in store for this year's competition? The day will start with a pet wellness fair (10 am-2 pm), where dogs are given checkups prior to the physical activities. Everything from nails, teeth, tips, weight, massages, and overall fitness checks.

While some dogs loosen up before their rounds, the small dog surfing heats will begin around 10 am. The heats are divided by dog weight, categorizing dogs into three sections (small/medium/large), and then a tandem human/dog duo.

Additional sporting competitions, such as the Top Fetch Competition, will take place and count towards the final championship score. Towards the closing stages of the championship, there will be a beach dog fashion and costume contest.

Dogs and owners won't take any silverware home but will enjoy a series of products and discounts from local stores. Everything from dog treats, dog accessories, and dog store discounts, to seltzers (White Claw)!

The Surf Dog Competition was originally sponsored by TCB Cafe Publishings, as the "Small Wave Surf Dog Competition" back in 2006. The very first Surf Dog competition in history was conceived and proposed by Kevin Reed, author of "The Dog's Guide to Surfing". It took place in Loews Coronado hotel, San Diego.

The championships success was so great that it spawned several similar dog surfing competitions around the world. TCB Cafe Publishing is now expanding its original Surf Dog Competition idea to an international setting, garnering support from non-profit organizations globably.

Humans aren't the only "water dogs" - surfer's four-legged friends love water too, these amphibious canines are special! Top surfers believe surfer dogs develop a unique attitude, setting them apart from other dogs.

Any breed can learn how to surf if they like the water (most dogs do). Some pups like the Shih Izu, Pugs, Pekingese, and Yorkshire Terrier, are not built for water. However, breeds such as Water Dogs, Spaniels, Labradors, and Chesapeake Retrievers can excel at surfing.

The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not as gregarious as most other Retriever breeds, but are very friendly and active dogs! Standing at an average of 30 kg and 58 cm, these big dogs are excellent water dogs with high energy levels, making them ideal surfing companions.

The Spanish water dog is another great water dog, who leads a very active and energetic lifestyle. Spaniels weigh an average of 18 kg and reach a height of 43 cm. Regardless of its smaller dimensions in comparison to the Chesapeake Retriever, Spaniels excel in water activities.