Get Your Dog Surf Lessons in Del Mar

Editor's Note: Helen Woodward Animal Center released the following announcement.

Helen Woodward Animal Center will kick off the summer with its annual Surf Dog lessons at Dog Beach in Del Mar.   

The highly-anticipated classes prepare beach-loving pups for the Center’s Annual “Surf DogSurf-A-Thon.” The September 8th canine surf competition is the largest of its kind and has earned a reputation for attracting four-legged, ocean-obsessed athletes from up and down the coast, but this year’s “grommutts”-in-training just might have a leg up on their competition.  

The beloved summertime classes will feature some very special expert instruction from legendary leaders of the pack – the So Cal Surf Dogs. The classes, taught by the beloved and highly respected club of “SurFur” Dogs and their owners, will commence with a dedication ceremony of 10 brand new Surf Dog Surf Boards (donated by the group), Saturday, June 29th, at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by the first class beginning at 10 a.m.

Center friends Kahuna Bob (from Kahuna Bob’s Surf School) and Rob Kuty (from San Diego Pet Training) have volunteered their time to Surf Dog Lessons over the past several years – introducing hundreds of pups to the thrill of the surf. With an increased demand for more individualized surf dog instruction, this year’s number of classes will go up, with fewer dogs allowed per session.  

The new format is ideal for surf dog hopefuls but creates significant scheduling challenges for the two former instructors whose businesses hit their high-points during the summer months. 

Without missing a beat, the So Cal Surf Dogs leapt at the opportunity to head the popular classes, volunteering their skills to familiarize dogs and their owners with the joy of the club’s favorite beach-sport.   

The So Cal Surf Dogs had already been a major part of the annual lessons, donating hands-on assistance to newbie board-riding “bubbas” (cool dogs) (in addition to providing Surf Dog lesson suggestions on their popular website, socalsurfdogs.com, and living the true-blue Surf Dog lifestyle with their own sea-savvy pets) so taking over as primary instructors was a natural fit.   

San Diego Pet Training will also continue assisting with the classes this year – overseeing and guiding as a safety feature and training benefit.

So Cal Surf Dogs was founded in 2009 and now ranks as one of the most highly regarded clubs for Surf Dogs and their owners in the country. Promoting safe and fun dog surfing, with the added benefit of mental and physical health for both canines and humans, their members include such renowned “SurFurs” as Ricochet, Dozer, Nani, Bodie and "The Ambassador of Dog Surfing," Buddy.  

The remarkable surfing pups continually take home top trophies in multiple coastal canine surfing competitions and have made names for themselves, appearing in major commercials, magazines worldwide and films such as Marmaduke and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. 

Most impressive of all is the group’s consistent generosity to a wide variety of animal rescues and animal welfare organizations throughout the city. In addition to providing helping “paws” at Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Lessons, the So Cal SurfDogs have also been loyal participants at the September Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon each year and continually rank as top fundraisers for the annual event.   

So Cal Surf Surf DogRicochet and her owner Judy Fridono were named the top individual fundraisers at last year’s competition, making an impressive contribution of over $7,000. Asked about her extraordinary efforts surrounding the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, Fridono explained, “Ricochet and I are proud to represent the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon event because it personifies whatdog surfing is all about, having fun with your dog, celebrating the human/animal bond, and most importantly, raising funds for orphaned animals.” 

This year, in addition to the regular Surf Dog “Grommutt” classes, the So Cal Surf Dogs willteach two introductory classes. These beginner classes are suggested for anyone whose dog has had limited experience on the beach and needs an opportunity to familiarize itself with the surf, the sand and find out if the sport is right for them. 

All Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog lessons cost $45 per dog (one adult human per dog please), including the required life vests and surf boards. Each lesson is limited to 10 dogs per class and runs about an hour in length. Registration is now open for all the Doggie Surf Lessons, scheduled Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon on June 29, July 20 and 27 and August 10, 17 and 24.  

Dogs who take to the waves are encouraged to register for Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 8th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on Sept. 8, 2013. All proceeds from the classes and the annual competition go towards the animals and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Helen Woodward Animal Center invites Southern California dogs to try their paws at hanging ten at the Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Classes, kicking off June 29th. One thing is certain; pet owners hoping to teach their dog to surf couldn’t find a group of more expert or passionate instructors to take their pup from a “Barney” to the “Big Kahuna.”

For more information or to register, visit surfdogsurfathon.org or call 858-756-4117 x 356. You may also stop by Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, or log on to animalcenter.org.