Helen Woodward Animal Center Invites Fidos to Fetch Waves at Longest Running Canine Surf Competition
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2022) – It’s almost here! Throughout the summer, top surf-dog contenders and gromMUTTs have been dreaming of attending the longest running surf dog competition in the country. Now surFURs can hardly wait to show off their surfing skills at the ultimate summer-closer. Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 17th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, presented by Blue Buffalo, dives into action at Dog Beach Del Mar on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST.
The temperatures will stay hot to close out the dog-days of summer and so will the competition out on the waves. Helen Woodward’s Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon was the first-of-its-kind, turning ‘dogs on surfboards’ into a platform to raise life-saving funds and reminding the world that “man’s best friend” can do phenomenal things. In addition to the joy and amazing athleticism of the event, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon is the only one of its kind with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting shelter orphan pets and programs.
To begin the event, Helen Woodward Animal Center will hold a special ceremony on the sand in honor of the shelter pets’ global campaign Remember Me Thursday®. Held on the 4th Thursday in September for the last 10 years, Remember Me Thursday® unites the world to promote orphan pets. The Sunday, September 18th Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon event kicks off Remember Me Thursday® Week and the ceremony will be a special way to encourage the thousands of attendees to use their voices and social media on Thursday, September 22nd to remind the world that adoption saves lives. The Remember Me Thursday® Week Kick-Off Ceremony begins at 8:00 a.m.
Following the ceremony, the canine surfing will begin. 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. Canines 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 absolutely love spending time with their favorite human friend,” said Helen Woodward Animal Services Manager Katrina Cauzza. “This event is a beautiful way to witness the incredible bond between pups and pawrents while also enjoying the gorgeous sights San Diego has to offer.”
The fun doesn’t stop once on shore. Spectators will not want to miss other family-friendly activities including live beach tunes, the crowd-pleasing Canine Costume Contest (This year’s theme is “sporting legends!) and a FREE special Kid’s Activity area – with crafts and games, the BARKet Place featuring a variety of exhibitor booths with pet products and local businesses handing out giveaways, a free agility course for dogs to try out, sponsored by San Diego Pet Training and the exciting awards ceremony! 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.
Registration is still available for surf-loving canines to enter the surf and freestyle contests. 100 percent of the proceeds from the event support the life-saving work at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Top fundraising pooches not only get to help orphan pets, they will win outstanding prizes including a Stay at Town & Country resort with $200 worth of dining credits.
The 17th 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 $20 donation.
For more information and to pre-order your official Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon T-Shirt head to animalcenter.org/surfdog2022 or call 858-756-4117 ext. 362.
PHOTOS AND BROLL OF 2021 SURF DOG SURF-A-THON AVAILABLE HERE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1klOhvJsX4L8hIVmEbm7yI3KqTn9W8Eew?usp=sharing