Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2026) – Grab your beach chairs and prepare for a wave of wagging tails! Approximately 50 four-legged surfing contenders will hit the waves at Del Mar Dog Beach on Sunday, September 13, as Helen Woodward Animal Center celebrates the 21st annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, presented by Blue Buffalo. The nation’s longest-running dog surfing competition will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST, with dogs battling it out for the coveted title of Best-In-Surf.
For 21 years, the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon has transformed the unlikely combination of dogs and surfboards into an unforgettable celebration—and a powerful way to help animals in need. The first-of-its-kind event draws crowds to the beach to watch canine athletes ride the waves while raising lifesaving funds for Helen Woodward Animal Center’s orphan pets and programs. 100% of event proceeds directly support the Center’s mission.
Hoping to join the elite ranks of “Top Surf Dogs,” competitors will take on 10-minute heats, showing off their balance, technique and sheer enthusiasm before a panel of surf pros and aficionados. Dogs will be judged on the length of their ride, wave technique, confidence and—of course—style. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in each weight class, with the first-place winners advancing to the finals to compete for the ultimate prize: Best-In-Surf.
And for dogs who prefer to surf with their favorite human—or simply want to make a splash with an unforgettable trick or costume—the Freestyle Surf Contest rewards creativity and crowd-pleasing flair. Prizes are provided by Helen Woodward Animal Center and Blue Buffalo.
“There’s a reason this is one of our most popular events of the year,” said Center Special Events Director Eva Lagudi-Devereux. “It’s an incredible day of fun, but there’s something much deeper happening on that beach. You see the bond between people and their pets everywhere you look, and you’re reminded just how much joy animals bring into our lives. And every wave these dogs ride helps us give more animals the second chances they deserve.”
The action continues onshore with plenty for the whole family, including:
- Live beach music
- The crowd-favorite Canine Costume Contest
- A FREE Kids’ Activity Area featuring crafts and games
- FUR-tastic Fair presented by Fetch Pet Insurance, featuring pet-focused exhibitors
- A FREE agility course for dogs, sponsored by San Diego Pet Training
- A special ceremony honoring a Surf Dog legend
- The highly anticipated awards ceremony
Can’t make it to the beach? Fans can watch the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon’s Best in Surf Event unfold live on Facebook beginning at 8:30 a.m. PST.
There’s still time for surf-loving canines to enter the Surf and Freestyle contests. Registration is open, and participating pups can help raise lifesaving funds for orphan pets while competing for outstanding prizes.
The 21st Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is FREE to attend. Parking will be available at Border Avenue/Via de la Valle and Highway 101/Camino del Mar for a $20 donation.
For more information or to register, visit the Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon page or call 858-756-4117, ext. 362.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org.
