PACIFICA, Calif. (KPIX) – While many of the world’s best surfers are in Tahiti competing in the Olympics, on Saturday, there was a much different kind of international competition on the waves.
Pacifica, California, hosted the World Dog Surfing Championships, and rather than winning medals, these contestants were in it for the fun.
Several dog owners and people came out to Linda Mar Beach to watch the competition.
“This is way better than what I was expecting. It’s adorable! It’s, I would say it’s like the happiest place on Earth,” said Kelly Erhart, a Pacifica resident. “You have dogs, surfing, whales, people are caffeinated. It’s amazing. It’s amazing!”
About 15 surfing canines showed up to compete for a title about which no one really worried.
“For me it’s not competition. For me it’s just watching all the dogs surf,” said Jason Twedt, a surf dog owner.
There were four divisions: small, medium, large and extra large, which included Rippin’ Rosie.
Her owner, Steve Drottar, is a lifelong surfer who says Rosie lives to be out on the waves with her buddy.
“There’s very few people that get to experience this. I mean, it’s pretty small,” he said. “There’s not that many people that actually get to surf with their dogs. And the people that do, and really do it a lot, have such an amazing bond. And it’s a gift to be able to surf with your dog.”
That bond is pretty much the same for all the dogs and their human companions.
“I grab the surfboard. She starts crying like she wants to go. So, ever since then, it’s just been like, ‘Alright, you’re the surfer in the family,’” said James Wall, whose dog was one of the surfers.
The competition has judges, and they insist there are things they actually evaluate.
“How long they ride, how long they stay on the board, and if they do any tricks. Some do tricks. Some have costumes on. So, it’s a wide variety,” said Laura Kass, a World Dog Surfing Championship volunteer.
“I’m not sure about the presentation. I try not to pay too attention to that. It’s just nice to see all the dogs out there surfing, competing,” Twedt said.
So, basically, there are no standards. It’s just whoever is the most fun to watch. And that’s fine with the spectators, many of whom wade out into the water to get a better look.
“Um, just to come out and see it. I’ve never seen it. I mean, like it’s relatively close, so I can check it out. So because I love dogs and to watch them do something they love,” said Lisa Marquez of Fairfield. “There’s just something wonderful about watching dogs having fun.
And to do it with your best friend well, that may be the real prize.
“Whether we win or not, tomorrow morning Rosie and I will be surfing at Pleasure Point together. So, we win no matter what,” Drottar said.
Ask any owner and they’ll tell you, few things in life bring more joy than having a dog. But it seems like some dogs have more fun than others.
The championship raises money for charities such as the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA.
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