On Aug. 3, participants and viewers gathered on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California, for the World Dog Surfing Championships 2024. While contestants were surely eyeing the medals, most present were there for the sheer fun of the competition. A total of 20 dogs participated in the surfing championship, with all aiming for the ‘top surf dog’ award.
Crowds gather to watch canines catch waves at World Dog Surfing Championships 2024
On Saturday, several dogs participated in the World Dog Surfing Championships 2024 to showcase their surfing prowess. The annual event took place on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California. While the championship does have awards, it celebrates the precious bond surfers share with their canine companions, as not everybody can surf with their pup.
Surfers first pull their canines to the surf line. Then, they catch a wave and ride it as far as possible. Surfer dogs enjoy the activity quite a bit, with many smiling ear to ear as they ride a wave. The World Dog Surfing Championships 2024 had four categories for the pups. Depending on their sizes, they could fall under small, medium, large, and extra large.
The championship judges evaluated the dogs’ duration of riding the wave and the time they stayed on the surfboard. If the canines perform any tricks, they also earn points. Some pups come in adorable costumes, adding to the surfing competition’s fun factor. However, the rules are pretty vague, and most people are there to enjoy watching cute dogs doing their best to surf.
A chocolate Labrador Retriever named Cacau won the Top Dog Final Overall Champs award, which makes her the ‘top surf dog’ of 2024. According to CBS News, the conditions weren’t ideal when they were competing. However, Cacau and her owner, Ivan Moreira, expertly maneuvered the waves, impressing judges and spectators alike.
