WAVE-RIDING CANINES COMPETE IN THE WORLD DOG SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Charlie, a 10-year-old yellow Labrador, loves surfing so much that he’ll grab his board and race straight into the ocean. His enthusiasm can be so overwhelming that his owners sometimes have to hide the board just to get a chance to chat with friends on the beach.

On Saturday, Charlie joined around 15 to 20 other canine surfers at Pacifica State Beach, about 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of San Francisco, for the annual World Dog Surfing Championships. The popular event draws thousands of spectators eager to watch dogs ride the waves.

Pooches competed in heats based on size, with top performers advancing to the finals. Some heats featured tandem surfing — dogs riding together or even sharing the board with their human companions.

Clad in monogrammed life vests, Labradors, terriers, and spaniels paddled out into the Pacific, where their owners helped them climb onto colorful boards to catch waves. Cheers erupted from the beach as dogs balanced, turned, and occasionally performed tricks mid-ride.

Judges evaluated each pup based on how long they stayed on the board, their balance, and any special moves — like spinning while surfing.

One standout this year was Iza, a 5-year-old French bulldog who took first place in the medium-size dog single surfer heat. Her owner, David Fasoli, taught her to balance during the pandemic using a board he brought home from his job at Costco.

Starting in the swimming pool, the duo eventually graduated to ocean waves. Since then, they’ve been defying expectations — and turning heads.

“I have a disability — I only have one hand — so a nonsporting human combined with a nonsporting dog breed, we are kind of phenomenal, defying the odds of what people think we’re capable of doing,” Fasoli said.

Charlie also competed in the extra-large single surfer category and participated in a tandem heat with two other dogs — a trio affectionately dubbed “The Dream Team” by their humans.

“He loves the crowd,” said his owner, Maria Nieboer.

Charlie trains with Maria’s husband, Jeff Nieboer. When they spot a good wave, Jeff turns the board around and tells Charlie to “get ready.” With a push, Charlie crouches low and rides the wave, sometimes steering the board by leaning and always heading toward Maria waiting on shore. No treats are needed — Charlie surfs purely for the joy of it.

“Charlie does what Charlie wants to do once we’re in the water,” Jeff said.

While medals and bragging rights were awarded to winners, the deeper reward was the bond forged between dog and human.

Rosie, a fellow yellow lab and Charlie’s “Dream Team” partner, surfed in four different heats. Her owner, Steve Drottar of Santa Cruz, says they hit the waves four to five times a week, and Rosie is always “stoked” afterward.

“It’s like, hey, we actually did something today, right? We did something together as a team,” Drottar said. “And the fact that you can do something as a team with your dog creates a different bond than you have when you just take your dog for a walk.”

Rosie’s post-surf joy is unmistakable: her tail wags harder, she cuddles more, and she seems to radiate gratitude.

“It’s like we go home on the couch and it feels like she’s saying, ‘Thank you,’” Drottar said.