World Dog Surfing Championships Draws Hundreds at Pacifica

Thousands of dogs and their owners gathered at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California, on Saturday, August 1, for the 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships. The event drew hundreds of spectators to watch dozens of canine competitors ride waves in a contest that also raised funds for local animal charities.

Dogs of various breeds and sizes, including spaniels, bulldogs, and Labrador retrievers, took to the water wearing colorful life vests. They were assisted by human handlers who helped them catch waves before volunteers retrieved them near the shore. Judges scored the performances based on the length of the ride, the size of the wave, the dog's confidence and posture, and overall stability. The competition featured several categories divided by dog size, as well as tandem heats where multiple dogs or a dog and human shared one board.

The day's winners included a Miniature Pinscher named Bradley Cooper, who won the small dog category, a dog called Iza who won the medium division, and a social media star Labrador retriever named Rippin Rosie, who claimed the large/extra-large title. Rippin Rosie, a five-year-old from Santa Cruz owned by Steve Drottar, was also named a top...