Every year, Imperial Beach, California hosts the Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition, “where fearless surFUR dogs will jump on their boards and hang 20.” The event is attended by thousands of spectators who come to watch our four-legged friends show-off.
We have the good fortune to be able to attend this event and to share a few photographs with you. 😛
Some of these doggies might seem disconcerted; they are not. Dogs love water and love doing activities with their owners. On the boardwalk, it’s not uncommon to see dogs riding motorized skateboards and scooters with their owners. So, just add water, and you’ve got very happy dogs!
Surferdog gets a helping push from its helper.
Each dog is accompanied by a helper (most likely its owner) who positions the board for the dog.
This wave is too mushy to ride very well.
A little push, and off it goes!
Finally, inside the wave.
Note the camera mounted on the front of the board. You never know when you’ll capture an award-winning aerial.
Zoom! Into the trough!
A good stance makes for a smooth ride.
That’s some serious shredding.
Time to enjoy the thrill!
In the soup!
Many dogs wipe-out — just like two-legged surfers.
Getting a dog on board is a two-person job.
We are showing you only the dogs surfing, but there are many, many people involved in ensuring everything goes well.
An ankle buster but, still, this dog has small ankles.
When the right wave comes in, the dogs make it look easy.
A classic example of a prone out.
Could he be any happier?
Zen and the Art of Surfing.
I’m pretty sure he fell asleep.
One of the many dog owners attending the event.
Okay, a gratuitous photograph of a pretty girl in a bikini. After all, we are in Southern California. 😎
The bulldog’s low center of gravity works in its favor.
The spunky bulldog is about to go. Let’s see how well he does!
We hope you enjoyed our dog surfing pictorial. It really is a lot of fun to watch and, if you live in SoCal, maybe you and your pooch would like to join in!