- 7TH ANNUAL DOG SURFING
COMPETION HELD IN CALIFORNIA!
Dog lovers and surfers gather on the beach in San
Diego to watch dogs 'hang ten'.
The 7th Annual competition officially known as the Loews Coronado Bay resort surf dog
competion, has become one of the most unique events in southern california,
sparking a growing movement for dog surfing across the globe.
Dogs compete in ten minute heats and are scored on their best two waves. The heats are subdivided into three categories - small dogs, large dogs and tandem dogs. Judges look for confidence in the four legged surfers as well as a long wave ride and a good sense of fashion.
"So what we're looking for could be length of ride, maybe that little bit of extra flair that a dog has, from the way they're dressed up to, maybe some sunglasses, whatever it might be, and then we're always looking for something that stands out," says Teevan McManus, owner of Coronado Surfing Academy and a judge at the competition.
This year's first place winners under the small dog category were returning champs Michael Uy and his Australian Kelpie, Abbie Girl. This is the third time the duo, who have been surfing for five years, took home the first place prize, although Uy himself didn't expect the win. .
"You know actually this year I was injured so, a little bit of an underdog coming in but we do this because we love surfing together in the water. So, it's kind of amazing how all of this has come about, we are very honoured," says Michael Uy, who won in the small dog category with Abbie Girl.
Winners of the competition receive a special vacation package at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort and snacks for their pets. This year Loews has partnered with animal charity to donate all profits from the event
"...wish I could learn to SURF too..."
Shibu Inu 柴犬 
