Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2023) – 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 18th annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, presented by Blue Buffalo, dives into action at Dog Beach Del Mar on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, 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.
Del Mar Dog Beach is the place to be to witness the cutest surf competition of the year. Hoping to join a coveted list of “Top Surf Dogs,” more than 70 surfing dogs will compete in 10 minute heats. SurFURs will show off their skills before a panel of judges consisting of 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.
“There’s a reason this is one of our most popular events,” said Center Special Events Manager Eva Lagudi-Devereux. “The absolute heart in this day is unmatched. The love these pet parents have for their dogs, and the joy these dogs have doing something they adore with their owners, reminds us all that pets do really change our lives for the better.”
Spectators will not want to miss other family-friendly activities including live beach tunes with the Salton City Surf Club Band, the crowd-pleasing Canine Costume Contest (This year’s theme is Rockstars & Music 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, a special honorarium to recognize Surf Dog legend and fundraiser – Ricochet, 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 one-night stay at the Kona Kai Resort with breakfast for two.
The 18th 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 https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon/ or call 858-756-4117 ext. 362.
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Due to Hurricane Hilary, all departments will be closing at 3pm today. Stay safe!