Thousands crowd Linda Mar Beach
Top dogs were riding waves Saturday at the annual World Dog Surfing Championships as hundreds of spectators cheered — and barked. From small spaniels to large labs, the canines were judged on factors including how long they could stay on their board, the size of the wave and their confidence. In its 10th year the event includes a pet adoption event and fundraising for local animal charities. The dogs, sporting their colorful life vests, stood ready on their surfboards and were assisted by human participants, who spotted the best wave to carry the board to the beach. Spectators erupted in applause and cheered with each successful ride.
Sophia Sadlowski first put her Miniature Pinscher, Rusty, on her surfboard to capture fun photos when he was just a puppy. “And then … he didn’t want to get off,” said Sadlowski, of Huntington Beach, California. “I walk over to the beach, and I put him on a wave, and he surfed it.” Small-, medium- and large- sized dogs competed in heats and then the highest scoring dogs in each heat faced off for the top prize. The day also included tandem contests, where multiple dogs, as well as dogs and humans, shared the surfboard. Rusty’s life jacket was green with animal print and a shark fin sticking up out of his back and his goggles gave the impression he was a fierce competitor for the small-sized and tandem dog competitions. Sadlowski said Rusty was in his first surf competition at four months old,
The event also featured tandem competitions with multiple dogs or dogs surfing alongside their human companions. Beyond the competition, organizers hosted a pet adoption event and raised money for local animal charities. Small dogs kicked off the day, with competitors like Carson Surf Dog, Bradley Cooper, and Rusty the Surfing Min Pin braving the chilly waters. Rusty sported his classic leopard look while wearing sleek goggles. French bulldogs Iza and Rocket competed in the medium-size category, with both dogs steadily riding on their surfboards all the way to shore. The crowd roared in excitement watching the tandem category, where multiple dogs tried to ride together on one board. Although the teams struggled to stay on board as surf conditions got choppier, Carson Surf Dog, Rippin Rosie, and Charlie rode together on one board for a few short rides. Attendees were eager to watch Rippin Rosie and her owner Steve Drottar–a pair who has gained social media fame–catch a few waves on a stand-up paddleboard. The pair made its way far out from the beach to try and get a long ride. Once they were able to stay on the board in the rough waters, Rippin Rosie and Drottar effortlessly rode toward shore, with Rosie standing tall on the front of the board and Drottar steering in the back. Another tandem competitor, Tiara, refused to get her paws wet in protest, running back to the warm sandy beach after the first wave.
Scores were tallied based on length of ride, size of the wave, confidence, balance and extra tricks. In first place for the small dog category was Bradley Cooper, who won a towel robe, a medal, and a placard. Iza won the medium category while Rippin Rosie took home first place in the large and extra-large category.
Surfing Sillies
What is an ironing board?
A surfboard which gave up on its dreams and went to work.
Why did the Surfer get lost at Sea?
Cuz he never learned the whole alphabet.
What do you call a dog floating in the ocean?
A good buoy.
What’s the difference between Ireland and America?
When we say waterboarding in Ireland it means surfing.
August 4th Birthdays
1989 – Kelly O’hara, 1996 – Bruna Marquisne, 1994 – Megan Reinkes, 1984 – Greta Gerwig
1901 – Louis Armstrong, 1956 – Billy Bob Thornton, 1962 – Roger Clemens, 1971 – Jeff Gordon