Thousands of spectators gathered at Linda Mar Beach near San Francisco last weekend to witness the 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships, an event showcasing the growing popularity of canine wave riding. The competition featured a diverse group of dogs, ranging from Labrador retrievers and Australian cattle dogs to smaller breeds like French bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and miniature pinschers.
Participants donned brightly colored life jackets and some sported protective goggles as they balanced on foam surfboards, guided by their owners into the Pacific’s choppy waves. Dogs were evaluated on several criteria, including the size of the waves they caught, the duration they maintained balance on the board, the variety and difficulty of tricks performed, and their overall enthusiasm during the ride.
James Wall, a judge at the event and a prominent figure in the dog surfing community, brought his 15-year-old pit bull Faith, a retired champion known for pioneering a 180-degree maneuver called the helicopter. Wall noted that the sport has transitioned from a niche novelty—often perceived as dogs in whimsical costumes—to a more mainstream activity at certain California beaches. According to him, approximately 30 leading canine surfers across the United States participate in a circuit of competitions, many of which serve as fundraisers for animal shelters and pet adoption initiatives.
The contest awards medals and dog food prizes to winners in different categories. Ultimately, “Rippin” Rosie, a five-year-old Labrador retriever, took top honors in the extra-large dog division as well as the overall “Surfing Spirit” award. Her owner, Steve Drottar, shared that while he has raised four Labradors, Rosie is the first who truly embraced surfing rather than simply swimming.
Wall recounted how he discovered Faith as a puppy in a parking garage and over the past decade has earned close to $40,000 through competitions, sponsorships, and video licensing deals. Faith’s surfing clips have been featured across tablet menus at restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse and Olive Garden. Wall emphasized that with patient, positive training, virtually any dog—from Chihuahuas to Great Danes—can learn to surf. “It’s a matter of practice,” he said. “You make it rewarding. You show them it’s a friendly, fun time.”
He also observed that the sport’s popularity has surged recently, driven in part by viral social media content. “How can you look at a dog having a good time and not smile?” Wall remarked, highlighting the joy and connection fostered through this unique canine pastime.