Helen Woodward Animal Center
A California beach was flooded with canine pups on surfboards hitting the waves for a good cause.
The 18th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon took place Sunday at Del Mar Dog Beach in Del Mar, California. The event benefits the Helen Woodward Animal Center, an animal welfare organization, in raising money for orphan pets and programs.
More than 50 surfing dogs (a.k.a. “SurFURs”) participated in the event. Their performance was judged based on the “length of their ride, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board,” according to the animal center in a press release.
Sugar, who came in first place in the “Best in Surf” competition.Helen Woodward Animal Center
The first, second and third place winners were evaluated for each weight class and the first-place winners moved on to the “Best in Surf” finals.
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Best-in-Surf third place winner Guinness rides the waves.Helen Woodward Animal Center
Additionally, both dogs and humans competed in a freestyle surf contest with points awarded for creativity, the animal center added. That honor went to Zia and Zailey.
There were also two crowd-favorite categories that made their return for this year’s competition, one of which included Duos and Trios featuring two or three canines on one surfboard. Later in the day, dogs and humans participated in the Peeps & Pups tandem event.
Zailey was one of the winners of the freestyle surf contest.Helen Woodward Animal Center
Doodle and Nacho won the costume contest.Helen Woodward Animal Center
Other highlights from the day included music from Salton City Surf Club, a kid’s activity area, a fair featuring exhibitor booths, and the awards ceremony.
Founded in 1972, the Helen Woodward Animal Center provides “educational and therapeutic programs for people, as well as humane care and adoption for homeless animals,” according to itswebsite.
“The 18th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon was a great success!,” said the organization in aFacebookpost Sunday. “Thank you to everyone who attended and to our surFURS for the great performance they gave catching waves.”
source: people.com
