Surf’s Up: Dogs Ride the Waves at the World Dog Surfing Championships

Last weekend, dog owners and their four‑legged companions took to the water at the World Dog Surfing Championships on Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California. Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the pups surf, enjoy a charity adoption fair, and partake in a day packed with a dog fashion show, veterinary check‑ups, a frisbee contest, and a shoreline fetch game.

Event Highlights

The competition featured a series of heats across four size‑based categories—small, medium, large, and extra‑large—plus tandem dog‑dog and dog‑human rounds. Winners earned a “Golden Surfie” trophy and bragging rights, while all participants were required to wear life vests for safety.

Meet the Champions

One of the standout competitors was Cherie, a French Bulldog who has become known as a “surfing queen.” In an interview with CNN, her owner Dan Nykolayko explained her technique: “She likes to hunker down on the board—back down, butt up, chest down—so she stays smooth on the ride.” Earlier this summer, Cherie defended her title as Small‑Dog Champion at the Huntington Beach Surfing Competition.

Other notable winners included:

• Small Dog Category (Dr. Treat): Carson & Delilah (tie), followed by Samson, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
• Medium Dog Category (Buddy’s Batch): Cherie (French Bulldog), Lil Man, and Iza (French Bulldog).
• Large Dog Category (Playful Pooch): Faith, an American Pit Bull Terrier, Ava, and Ranger, a Golden Retriever.
• Extra‑Large Dog Category (Bold by Nature): Derby, a Goldendoodle, Charlie, a yellow Labrador Retriever, and Rosie, a Labrador Retriever.
• Dog‑Dog Tandem (Rockaway Ricky): Team Rosie/Charlie/Carlson took first place.
• Dog‑Human Tandem (White Claw): Skyler, a Queensland Heeler, and her rider Homer won the top spot.
• Overall Champion (Diggidy Dog Top Dog): Carson, a Terrier mix, with Faith and Cherie rounding out the podium.

Judging Criteria and Safety

Judges evaluate each run based on ride length, wave size, and board control. Dogs earn extra points for standing on all fours, performing tricks, or even sitting and lying down gracefully on the board. All canine competitors must wear a life vest, and their human partners are required to don personal flotation devices.

While dogs remain leashed on the beach, only humans are tethered to the surfboard once in the water. Organizers warn that attaching a dog to a board can be hazardous during a wipeout.

History of the Event

The modern World Dog Surfing Championships began in 2016 and are held annually along the California coast. The very first dog‑surfing contest dates back to 2006 at the Loews Coronado Hotel in San Diego, a concept created by Kevin Reed, author of The Dog’s Guide to Surfing: Hanging Ten with Man’s Best Friend.

Getting Your Dog Involved

While breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and any “water”‑named breeds (Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog, Irish/American Water Spaniel) excel in the water, many other dogs can also thrive with proper training. Key qualities include strong swimming ability, reliable recall, and a solid bond with their owner.

Before hitting the waves, ensure your dog has a well‑fitting life vest, is comfortable in the surf, and understands basic commands. With patience and practice, any adventurous pup could one day compete at the World Dog Surfing Championships.

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