A first-time entrant in the 16th annual canine contest, Petey glided past several veterans at Del Mar Dog Beach.
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About 40 dogs of all sizes hung twenty in 10-minute heats in the annual fundraiser, which also to raises awareness for orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
The dogs were judged on the length of their ride, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board. First-, second- and third-place prizes were awarded in each weight class — medals and handcrafted wooden surfboard trophies.
On the cloudless morning, owners and volunteers took the dogs out to the waves and placed them on surfboards while others helped retrieve the dogs after each try. Hundreds of onlookers came to cheer, laugh and moan (when dogs wiped out).
Dogs in the Best of Surf final heat were Petey; Giselle a Rhodesian Ridgeback; Rothstein, a bulldog; Derby, a Goldendoodle; and Teddy, a Labradoodle.
Last year’s Surf-a-thon was a virtual event with contestants from all over the world.
Donations to the Helen Woodward Animal Center can be made here.
Giselle, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, rides in the Surf-a-thon. Photo by Chris StoneJames Wall shows his affection for Faith, an American pit bull terrier. Photo by Chris StoneHundreds gather at Del Mar Dog Beach to watch the furry surfers. Photo by Chris StoneFaith, an American pit bull terrier, and her owner, James Wall, share a quiet moment. Photo by Chris StoneHomer Henard rides with Skyler, a red heeler in the freestyle heat. Photo by Chris StoneHomer Henard leaps off board after riding with Skyler, a red heeler. Photo by Chris StoneTeddy, who has been a goodwill ambassador for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, has fun in the sun. Photo by Chris StoneDerby, a Goldendoodle, plays fetch after the surfing heat in Del Mar. Photo by Chris StoneKai, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, hangs 10 with a handler. Photo by Chris StoneDerby the Goldendoodle sports a tuxedo at the Surf-a-thon. Photo by Chris StoneMedium-sized dogs sprint for the surf at the Surf-a-thon in Del Mar. Photo by Chris StoneA trio of related Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers and Bugle the Beagle share a wave. Photo by Chris StoneDogs dressed as a ship captain and first mate join the freestyle heat. Photo by Chris StoneHundreds of spectators perch on cliffs and line the competition area in Del Mar. Photo by Chris StoneA dog owner displays his love of canine surfing. Photo by Chris StoneTeddy, a Labradoodle, returns to the beach with a gift from the sea. Photo by Chris StoneRothstein the bulldog (left) and Giselle, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, share a wave. Photo by Chris Stone A rescue dog models a unicorn Halloween costume at the Surf Dog Surf-a-thon. Photo by Chris StoneGuinness, a bulldog, shakes off saltwater in Del Mar. Photo by Chris StoneDerby the Goldendoodle shakes off sea water at the end of a heat. Photo by Chris StoneDerby the Goldendoodle plays on the beach in his tuxedo at the Surf Dog Surf-a-thon. Photo by Chris StoneResults were posted at the event. Photo by Chris Stone
