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The Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts a fund-raising surf event every year at Del Mar dog beach, this year was the 7th.

Dog surf event basics

1. Surfers, also known as surFURs, some have big money sponsorships with custom boards and others don’t even own a board and just rent one.
2. Judges who score each of surfers on 7 waves during their 20 minute heats.
3. Support teams who help get the dogs on the waves and signal the judges that the dog is ready.
4. Fans, spectators as well as the media.

Between events many of the dogs, and their owners, are giving interviews to the different media outlets or just relaxing on the beach.  Some surFURs belong to clubs and others just do their own thing. No matter what they are all there to have fun and show off their surfing abilities.

The event is well photographed.  Many people stay near the shore with really long lens and keep their equipment dry.  Some of us put our cameras in a housing and get out in the water.  I do that for a couple of reasons, I don’t have any long lens and I like the perspective I get being in the waves with the dogs.  Shooting in a housing is a bit more challenging with less access to the controls and it is a constant job to try to keep the front port clear of water spots, which I’m not always successful at, but it is how I like to approach the event.

The variety of surFURs is vast, from a couple of pounds to 100 pounds.  Competition is divided into four size classes, small, medium, large and extra-large.  The best of each class then move on to the finals.

Small dogs

Large and extra-large dogs

No matter what the size is of the dog they all have a support group.  There are 1-2 people to push the board offshore and pick the right waves to take.  There are people who stay inshore to catch the board and the dog if they become separated and there is a flag person to let the judges know that the dog with the matching colored vest is on a wave and to be watched.  Additionally all the boards are foam and the dogs where PFD’s for safety.

Each dog has his or her own style.  Some stand, some sit or lay down, some face forwards and other backwards.  Some even add a little flair by picking up their feet.

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This year’s winners are all veteran surfers

Ricochet is a therapy dog who works with disabled surfers.  Nani competed in her last competition before retiring from the competitive surf circuit.

If you are interested in teaching your dog to surf check out SoCal Surf Dogs.