BySHIR PERETS

Some 20 dogs competed in the 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships at Linda Mar Beach in California last Saturday.

The sport was first conceived in 2006 by K. Reed, author of "The Dog's Guide to Surfing."

In the years since, the sport evolved into what it is today, and has inspired similar events across the world, including many in California, Florida, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

This year’s overall winner was five-year-old Labrador retriever Rippin Rosie, followed closely by Iza, a French bulldog from Pleasanton, and Bradley “Shortboard” Cooper, a mixed-breed from Long Beach.

Additionally, Rosie - alongside her owner, Steve Drottar - took first place in the stand-up paddleboarding category.

Iza Surf Dog competes during the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, California, on August 1, 2026. The event helps local charities raise money by sponsoring a contestant or a team, with a portion of the proceeds going to dog, environmental, and surfing nonprofit organizations. (Photo by Go
Iza Surf Dog competes during the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, California, on August 1, 2026. The event helps local charities raise money by sponsoring a contestant or a team, with a portion of the proceeds going to dog, environmental, and surfing nonprofit organizations. (Photo by Go (credit: Godofredo A. VÁSQUEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Hundreds of spectators cheered for the dogs as they made a splash

The winners were announced by Rep. Sam Liccardo, former San Jose mayor, to a crowd of hundreds, who cheered for the pups all day from the shore.

The oldest contestant was 11-year-old Charlie, a yellow Lab from the San Diego area, whose surfing journey actually began by accident when owner Jedd Niebor placed the dog onto a surfboard for a quick photo, which turned into an impromptu surf lesson.

Spectators are encouraged to sponsor contestants each year, with a portion of all proceeds going to a number of local charities.