Longest Running Doggie Surf Competition Supports Orphan Pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2018) – The most exciting summer closer event raising life-saving funds for orphan pets is almost here! Over the last couple of months, more aspiring groMUTTS than ever before have taken to the waves to pawfect their surfing stance at Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Lessons. Now, with tails wagging, these surfing canines have their eyes set on the Center’s 14th annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon presented by Blue Buffalo happening Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST at Del Mar Dog Beach.
Helen Woodward Animal Center wants to once again thank the amazing instructors at SoCal Surf Dogs and class leaders Gigi Hokstad and Joanne Esposito for lending a hand to teach approximately 170 potential future Top Dogs to ride the waves throughout July and August. 100% of the proceeds from these unique surf dog lessons are supporting the orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
With newly fetched skills on the water, surf dogs are warming up to “hang 20” at the Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon. The first-of-its-kind competition to raise life-saving funds for orphan pets reminds the world that “man’s best friend” can do phenomenal things.
Hoping to join a coveted list of “Top Surf Dogs,” more than 70 surfing dogs will compete in 10 minutes heats. SurFURs will show off their skills before a panel of judges consisting of celebrities, surf pros and aficionados. The GroMutts will be judged on the length of their ride, wave technique, and enthusiasm and confidence on the board. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded for each weight class and the first place winners will move on to the finals – Best-In-Surf. But the fun on the water doesn’t end there. A unique freestyle surf contest will award points for creativity! Tandem rides for dogs who can ride with their best friends and even their favorite human, eye-catching tricks and costumes are encouraged to wow the judges.
“Dogs love the beach, but more than that, dogs love spending time with their favorite human,” said Dora Dahlke, Adoptions Services Manager. “Surfing your dog is not only a fun way to enjoy the beautiful sights San Diego has to offer, it’s an incredible bonding experience between pup and pawrent. The joy being had by all is hard to miss.”
The fun doesn’t stop once on shore. For the first time at Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, beach-goers can pawticipate in a friendly sand castle competition open to all ages. Plus a special sand castle building contest will put pet industry professionals to the test. Registration is available at animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon.
Spectators also will not want to miss other family-friendly activities including live beach tunes, interactive vendor booths, the crowd favorite Canine Costume Contest and a FREE special Kid’s Activity area – with crafts, games and more! Plus, another outstanding four legged surfer will be inducted into the Surf Dog Hall-of-Fame. Those who cannot make it to the beach can watch the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon unfold on Facebook by heading to https://www.facebook.com/surfdogsurfathon/ at 8:30 a.m. PST.
There’s still time to register your wave-catching canine and fundraise for orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. 100 percent of the proceeds from the event support the life-saving work at the Center. Top fundraising pooches not only get to help orphan pets, they will win outstanding prizes including a commemorative 2019 Surf-Dog Surf-A-Thon surf board for first place.
The 14th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is free to attend. Parking will be available at the corner of Border Avenue / Via De La Valle and Hwy. 101 / Camino Del Mar for a $15 donation. There, beach-goers can also pick up breakfast or lunch from The Beaten Berry food truck.
For more information on the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon or call 858-756-4117.