Summary Judges scored the canine contestants based on how long they stayed on their surfboards
(Web Desk) - Dogs of all shapes and sizes took to the waves as the annual World Dog Surfing Championship returned to the coast of Northern California, drawing hundreds of spectators for the popular event.
Held at Pacifica Beach, about 22 kilometres south of San Francisco, the competition featured a variety of breeds, from small spaniels to large Labradors, showcasing their surfing skills on the Pacific Ocean.
Judges scored the canine contestants based on how long they stayed on their surfboards, the size of the waves they rode and their confidence while surfing.
Now in its 10th year, the championship also included a pet adoption campaign and fundraising activities for local animal welfare organisations.
The dogs, dressed in colourful life jackets, were guided onto the waves by their human companions before riding the surfboards back to shore, earning cheers and applause from the crowd after each successful run.
Sophia Siedlowski, from Huntington Beach, said she initially placed her miniature pinscher, Rusty, on a surfboard only for photos when he was a puppy. However, the dog refused to get off the board and later surprised everyone by successfully riding his first wave.
