The World Dogs Surfing Championships are making a comeback in California on August 2, 2025. This quirky and beloved event will be held at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, just outside San Francisco, and promises a full day of fun, waves, and four-legged competitors.
A unique surfing event for dogs
This international contest invites both experienced and first-time canine surfers to take to the waves in a friendly but competitive environment. The top-performing dog will receive the Golden Surfie Award, a recognition of skill, balance, and confidence on the surfboard.
More than just surfing
In addition to surfing, the event will also include a beach fashion show for dogs and an adoption drive aimed at finding homes for rescued animals. Photos and videos from previous championships have shown dogs of all breeds—such as pit bulls, pugs, and labradors—gliding across the waves, sometimes sitting or even lying down on their boards.
World Dog Surfing Championships: Rules and judging criteria
Each round will give dogs 10 minutes to catch as many waves as possible. Judges will assess performance based on several factors, including:
- duration of the ride
- size of the wave
- confidence and skill on the board
- any tricks performed
There are multiple competition categories based on the dog’s weight, the number of dogs on one board, and even dog-human tandem surfing.
Safety requirements for dogs
To ensure the dogs’ safety, no leashes are allowed while competing. Owners are required to bring both surfboards and life jackets for their dogs. Organizers have emphasized the importance of animal welfare throughout the event.
A growing global trend
First started in 2006 as the Small Wave Surf Dog Competition, this event has since grown into a global trend, with similar competitions held in places like Florida, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
With a blend of sport, humor, and animal advocacy, the World Dog Surfing Championships continue to attract dog lovers and spectators from around the world.
