This past Saturday, thousands flocked to Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California, to watch surfing. While large, high-profile surfing events are common in California, this particular event was for dogs. The World Dog Surfing Championships attracted hordes to the beach to watch 20 dogs from all around the world compete and catch waves.
“There’s about 6,000 or 7,000 people here to watch the dogs surf,” said Volunteer Christine Miller. The crowds started to pile in about an hour before the start of the first heat of the event. The heats were divided into weight classes and subgroups, including the extra-large class, filled with exclusively labrador retrievers.
“The Labs are literally a different breed out in the water,” said Justin Cho, a spectator from San Mateo. “They are so eager to get in and go surfing.”
While it was ultimately a Lab named Cacau from Brazil that took home the top prize, the other labs were also impressive. In the contest judged by the wave surfed and how long it stays on the board, Derby, a Golden Doodle from San Diego, and Rosie, a Labrador known as Rippin’ Rosie, were notable competitors, both being able to stay on multiple waves and score high. Ultimately, Cacau’s style prevailed with the judges and edged out Rosie and Derby.
This event was a success but wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s and supporters’ generous donations. The dog surfing championships faced significant financial challenges that almost led to its cancellation. High operational costs, including logistics, safety measures, and event organization, strained the budget. The event was at risk of being discontinued, but community contributions covered expenses and ensured the beloved competition could proceed.
The World Dog Surfing Championships not only showcased the incredible talents of surfing canines from around the globe but also highlighted the strong community spirit and support that brought the event to life. The outpouring of donations and enthusiasm from supporters ensured that the competition could continue, providing a unique and joyous experience for both participants and spectators.
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