The World of Dog Surfing: You Need to Know

The new world of dog surfing is actually old. Not surprising since we’ve got water rescue dogs, some that even leap out of helicopters. But not all canines take a splash out of loyalty and dedication. Some dogs love water: with four legs and a low center of gravity, it’s relatively easy for them to hang ten.

Dog surfing has become increasingly popular since 2006 when the first significant competition was held in California. But dogs have been recorded taking part in surfing since the 1920s. Some famous dog surfing pioneers are Spot, Night Hawk, Rusty, and Max.

Surfing isn’t for every pup. Some have a more stereotypical cat attitude when it comes to water. Others might adore getting wet but do not enjoy the sensation of the “ground” shifting under their paws. But for some dogs, surfing is more fun than going for a walk. Thus, we’re taking you back to the canine who started it all and how you can tell if surfing is right for your best friend.

Is Dog Surfing Real? Exploring The History And Origins Of This Exciting Sport

Dog surfing is real, from dogs hitting the waves solo to sharing with their human. In 2016, The World Dog Surfing Championships debuted in Pacifica, California. But don’t be fooled; while dog surfing as a competitive sport is relatively recent, as a pastime, it’s been around for nearly a century.

Sons Of The Surf Films The Dog Spot Surfing In 1926

In 1926, the documentary Sons of the Surf recorded surfers on the Hawaii island of Oahu at Waikiki Beach. It wasn’t the first filmed documentary of Hawaiian surf culture. In 1906, Thomas A. Edison shot “Hawaiian Islands,” displaying surfers using both arms simultaneously to paddle. But a unique surfer was introduced five minutes into the Son of the Surf: a dog named Spot.

On The Waves At Waikiki Films Terrier Night Hawk In 1932

But Spot wasn’t the only dog on Oahu Island with the surf bug. Around 1932, a new silent documentary was released called The Waves At Waikiki featuring a terrier named Night Hawk hanging 10 to the delight of his owner Phillip K. Auna.

Rusty And Max Take Dog Surfing To The US Mainland

Four-pawed surfing gradually made it to the mainland. Legendary surf photographer Doc Ball snapped Jim Baily and his cocker Spaniel Rusty surfing at Hermosa Beach in 1946. The photograph was later featured in Life Magazine.

“Movie gal gave him that dog,” Doc told Malcolm Gault-Williams in 1998. The photo made it to Europe, where the English public “were all over me about torturing that little dog.” But Doc disagrees with their assessment, saying the dog would “scratch your ears off trying to get on your board.”

But the dog that made it to the big time was Max, a terrier owned by Dave “DC” Chalmers. The duo was featured in films, TV shows, and many surf magazines in the 70s and early 80s. But the pair are best known for their stint in Those Amazing Animals.

2006: Dog Surf Competitions Become A Thing

Dog surfing competitions are still relatively new despite dogs participating in the sport since the 1920s. The first big dog surfing competition was held in California in 2006, sponsored by TasteTV. The event was popular and led to the 2009 book The Dog’s Guide To Surfing, now in its 5^th Edition.

The book legitimized the sport, and more competitions followed. Thus, by 2011, fifty dogs took to the waves at the Loews Coronado Bay Result Dog Competition, and dogs were split into three categories: Small, Medium, and Large. There were also two tandem categories: dog + dog and dog + human. In addition, safety equipment began to be mandated, such as requiring dogs to wear a life jacket or vest.

2016 brought the sport to The World Dog Surfing Championships. Come 2017, mainstream news caught on to the action, and coverage included NPR and Good Morning America. They now have social media accounts, including @worlddogsurfing on IG and Twitter. Alas, the 2017 World’s winner Abbie Girl is no longer with us. But her Instagram account can still be viewed by fans.

Do Dogs Enjoy Surfing? Understanding The Science Behind Canine Water Sports

Some dogs do enjoy surfing. Dogs, like many domesticated animals, have been bred for various tasks. Some breeds have historically been used to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. Thus, these canine friends take to water much like a duck.

Others, not so much.

But unlike ducks, dogs don’t instinctively know how to swim, although many seem to figure it out almost instantaneously.

However, all dogs use a similar “dog paddle,” according to a study by West Chester University biologist Frank Fish. His research showed that the “swimming gate” resembled that of a trot. In addition, dogs use the same type of “trot” despite the fact that they don’t all have the same walking gait.

The gait unused by dogs in swimming brings the legs up close to the body after the forward stroke. The tucking of the leg reduces drag, allowing the “pull” to bring them further than if they used their land gait. Thus, the reason some dogs struggle in water is not due to different doggie paddle styles but due to their proportions.

For example, short legs and long bodies will struggle. In addition, dogs with flatter faces have a harder time keeping their nose and eyes clear of water than those with a more classic face, as found on a Golden Retriever or Labrador. Dogs with thick and heavy coats will also have difficulty staying afloat.

But your best friend doesn’t have to be built like a champion waterfowl retriever to enjoy surfing. However, they do need to love getting wet.

How To Play Dog Surfing: Tips, Tricks, And Best Practices For Keeping Your Pup Safe

Before introducing your dog to surfing, you need to ensure your dog enjoys water play. Some dogs simply hate it or, like Chihuahuas, their coat is so thin they’ll spend the entire time shivering.

Next, you need to take your dog to shallow water and see how well they swim. Stay near your canine pal to reassure them, and even put your hands around them to add buoyancy as they get the hang of their paddle.

When you finish your first session, make sure you rinse them with fresh water. Some dogs are very sensitive to sea salts and chlorine, and even if they’re not, it can bleach and dry out their coats and skin.

If your dog loves the water, it’s time to buy them a life vest or jacket. All dogs must wear them while surfing, as exhaustion could cause even the best swimmers to flounder. But the less suited your dog is to swimming (pug owners, you know who you are), the more floatation the jacket needs to provide.

After the floatation device arrives, keep practicing, so the dog can get used to their new gear and become a stronger swimmer. Do not rush your dog to the deep end, especially if they are a breed less suited to water sports.

Once they’re comfortable with the water, you can introduce the surfboard. Some people do it first on land and then gradually bring it into the water. However, be prepared for some dogs to not like it. Even a water-loving dog might be nervous about balancing on an unstable plank.

Dog Surfing Dos And Don’ts

Here are some Dos and Don’ts when teaching your dog to surf:

 

• Don’t introduce a surfboard on your dog’s first trip to the beach. There is too much new going on, from sights, smells, and sounds.
• Do introduce the surfboard to your best friend on a dog-friendly beach your buddy already knows and loves
• Do not ever leash your dog to the board. Ankle leashes on boards are for human ankles only.
• Do leash your dog when on the sand, even when watching a dog surfing competition
• Dogs should always wear a floatation jacket or vest
• When teaching your dog to surf with you (in tandem), make sure you use a big enough board. Popular choices are longboards, a foamie over 9ft, or a mini-mal
• Dogs can pretty much ride any board on their own. However, the more buoyant models are easier, and foam ones will cause less injury if your canine is “knocked.”
• Always wear a rash vest or wetsuit when teaching your dog, as bare skin can accidentally get scratched
• Flotation for humans is a good idea, as rescuing a dog can make swimming hard
• Stay with your dog at all times. It’s a new activity, and you don’t want them to get scared.
• Start a dog in shallow, crumbly waves before progressing further out. Often this is easier with you next to the board instead of on it. But, again, don’t leave them alone.
• Use positive reinforcement
• Keep the sessions short at the beginning. Dogs becoming exhausted in the ocean is dangerous.
• Do get your dog some goggles or a mask if their eyes are sensitive to the sea

The Best Breeds For Dog Surfing: Finding The Perfect Pooch For Your Next Water Adventure

A surf-loving dog is never guaranteed. Some water breeds do not like the instability of the board under their paws. They’d rather swim. Then some canines not known for their swimming prowess defy expectations, making excellent surfers, such as the bulldog Rothstein, who is a surfing world champion.

Nevertheless, from a technical standpoint, the best breeds for dog surfing are water dogs:

 

• American Water Spaniel
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Golden Retriever
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Spanish Water Dog

The worst breeds for surfing are those that typically shun the water or are unsuited for swimming due to their build. For example:

 

• Bichon Frise
• Boxer
• Chihuahua
• Dachshund
• Greyhound
• Maltese
• Pekingese
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier

Spotlight On Three Winning Surf Dogs

Any surf dog is a winner in our eyes. But here are three with a substantial fan base.

Surf Gadget The Pug

Pugs are not the first breed that comes to mind when you hear “surf dog.” Their flat faces make them more vulnerable to getting water up the snout, and the little legs to relatively compact bodies make them less suited for swimming. But Surf Gidget the Pug missed the memo and has plenty of awards to prove she’s a champion.

Skyler The Surfing Dog

Skyler the Surfing Dog is a Queensland Heeler and the 2022 World Dog Surfing Championships. She’s even shared the board with Pickles the Pig. But her day job is working as a surf therapy dog for organizations such as Mauli Ola Foundation, Operation Surf, and Waves of Impact.

Much to everyone’s shock, shortly after her win, a tumor was found near her heart. But money was raised for her treatment, and as of 2023, Skyler is still riding the waves. Whew.

Cherie The Surfing French Bulldog

Cherie the Surfing French Bulldog is a rescue pup originally from Texas. Despite her body not fitting the ideal surfing aesthetic, she enthusiastically joined her adopted Californian family out on the waves. No doubt about it, Cherie has skill. She was the 2019 World Dog Surfing Champion in the medium dog division.

Dog Surfing Competitions: A Look At Upcoming Events And Rules For Participation

The World Dog Surf Championships are not the only surfing competition around. However, many are still getting their paws in order after the pandemic ground things to a halt. But a few names to checkout include:

 

• Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition
• Saka Surf Dog Challenge
• Surf City Surf Dog
• VetShopAustralia Surfing Dogs Championships

These days the sport has expanded its categories. Common divisions include:

 

• Small Dog
• Medium Dog
• Large Dog
• Very Large Dog (61 lbs+)
• Tandem Dogs (Two dogs surfing)
• Tandem Human/Dog (one human surfer and a dog surfer)

Rules generally follow the same set by the World Dog Surfing Championships:

 

• Dogs cannot wear a leash while surfing
• Dogs must wear a life jacket or vest while competing
• Humans must wear a life jacket, vest, or rash guard when competing with their dog

Dogs are typically judged on:

 

• How long they stay on the board (best if they make it to shore)
• Technique
• Confidence (if your dog isn’t enjoying it, don’t make them compete)
• The type of wave they ride
• Style

Fun Facts About Dog Surfing: Did You Know These Fascinating Details About This Growing Sport?

Love facts? Well, here are a few about (mostly) dog surfing.

 

• Lily, a yellow Labrador, won the 10^th Annual East Coast Dog surfing championship after the competition was delayed due to sharks (source)

 

• Richochet (RIP) taught herself to surf. The therapy dog that works with the disabled and healing veterans hopped on a quadriplegic boy’s board and joined in on the fun. Richochet would later be credited with the dog that made dog surfing a sport (source)

 

• 2016 introduced a new four-legged participant on the surf: Kama the Pig (source)

Conclusion

Surfers don’t need to leave their four-legged friend behind when it’s time to hit the waves. Plenty of dogs adore joining in on the action. Just introduce the activity slowly and ensure they wear the proper surfing gear. Who knows, your best friend might win more awards than you.