PACIFICA, CA — Surfing dogs from around the world will return to Pacifica this summer as the World Dog Surfing Championships celebrate their 10th anniversary.
The free event will be held July 31 and Aug. 1 at Linda Mar Beach, also known as Pacifica State Beach, where organizers say the concept of competitive dog surfing was born.
The main competition takes place Aug. 1, with dogs competing in exhibition heats beginning at 10 a.m. Awards for first-, second- and third-place finishers in each competition category will be presented from 1 to 2 p.m.
The championships trace their roots to the first organized surf dog competition, which debuted in San Diego in 2006 after the author of "The Dog's Guide to Surfing" proposed the idea. The concept later expanded into an international series, with Pacifica now hosting the annual world championship.
In addition to the surfing competition, the event will feature a pet wellness fair, dog disc and water ball-fetch contests, a costume contest, mobile pet adoptions and Surf Dog Village with vendors and activities. A "Yappy Hour" celebration will follow the competition.
Organizers say the event also supports charitable causes. A portion of proceeds benefits dog, surfing and environmental nonprofits, and attendees can sponsor contestants to help participating charities raise money.
The World Dog Surfing Championships are presented by Lagunitas Brewing Company and other sponsors.
For more information visit surfdogchampionships.com/
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