The 10th annual Surf Dog Competition on Imperial Beach, in California was held at the weekend.
Every year a pack of canine surfing connoisseurs, with a little help from their handlers, assemble on Imperial Beach to compete for glory and canine greatness.
The event is organised into four separate categories, based on groups of size and weight — small, medium, large and extra large. There is also a tandem division, whereby two dogs team up to co–pilot a board while surfing.
More than 50 dogs competed this year, and the winners were judged by a panel of professional surf judges. The dogs were assessed on the basis of skill, confidence and their duration on the board.
Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition is free for spectators, but competitors have to pay a participation fee, the proceeds of which are donated to the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Champion of the small dog group was Ziggy, a 15lb Toy American Eskimo; an Australian Kelpie, Abbie Girl, won the medium size group; champion of the large dog group was golden retriever Kalani; the extra large champion was boxer Hanzo; the tandem surf prize was won by Kalani and Hanzo.
This year’s winners join an esteemed group of canine achievers, with previous winners including Internet star Ricochet, a therapy dog that surfs with special needs children.
