Top dogs on Saturday rode waves at the annual World Dog Surfing Championships as hundreds of spectators cheered — and barked — from the Northern California beach.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 contest in Pacifica, about 22km south of San Francisco, 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.
Dogs compete during the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, California, on Saturday.
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,” Sadlowski said. “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.
Rusty rides a wave during the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, California, on Saturday.
