The 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships took place in Pacifica, California, where dogs of all breeds and sizes competed on the waves alongside their human handlers. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, hundreds of spectators gathered on the beach to cheer on the participants. Dogs were judged on criteria such as how long they could stay on their board, the size of the wave, and their confidence. In its 10th year, the contest was held in Pacifica, about 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
The event also included a pet adoption drive and fundraising for local animal charities. The dogs, wearing colorful life vests, stood ready on their surfboards, with human helpers spotting the best wave to carry them to shore. Spectators erupted in applause with each successful ride.
Sophia Sadlowski first put her Miniature Pinscher, Rusty, on her surfboard to capture a photo, making it one of the highlights of the championship.
Despite high surf warnings, the event proceeded safely without interruption, and canine champions were crowned in each size category. The event was captured on video and photos by Haven Daley.
This championship is not only a fun event for dogs and their owners but also promotes animal welfare. The crowd was amazed by the dogs' agility on the waves, and the event took place in a warm atmosphere.