Surf’s Up Pups: Highlights from the 2025 World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica, CA

By: Ashley Ralls

The 2025 World Dog Surfing Championships made a big splash on August 2nd in Pacifica, California, drawing huge crowds and worldwide attention. This annual event showcases the ultimate combination of surf culture and our love for dogs. With the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop, pups of all shapes and sizes proved that surfing isn’t just for humans anymore.

A Competition Like No Other

This isn’t your typical surf contest. Dogs are divided into categories by size—small, medium, large, and extra-large—and even compete in tandem divisions with their owners or other pups. Judges focus on balance, style, and overall confidence. Costumes, wagging tails, and bonus tricks often steal the show, making the event as entertaining as it is competitive.

Meet the Surfing Champions

The star of the day was Cacau, a chocolate Labrador who wowed the judges with perfect form and an unshakable stance, winning the grand championship title once again. In the large-dog category, Faith, a golden retriever, took her final bow before retiring from competitive surfing. Her farewell ride earned thunderous cheers and plenty of happy tears from the crowd.

A Festival on the Beach

The championships are more than just waves and tricks—they’re a dog-friendly festival. Vendors sold surf-inspired dog gear, organic treats, and souvenirs. Local rescue organizations raised funds and awareness for animal adoption. Families and tourists filled the sandy beach with cheers, laughter, and plenty of cameras snapping corgis on surfboards and bulldogs hanging ten.

How Do Dogs Learn to Surf?

Training a surf pup starts on land. Dogs get used to balancing on a board before moving to calm waters, eventually catching small waves. Positive reinforcement is key, along with safety—every surf dog wears a life vest. The event emphasizes fun and bonding, proving that the human-dog partnership is what makes surfing dogs so special.

Surfing with a Purpose

Beyond the adorable Instagram moments, the World Dog Surfing Championships give back to the community. Proceeds from entry fees and merchandise benefit local shelters and animal charities. This year’s event helped fund rescue programs and provided support for animals impacted by California wildfires, proving fun events can also make a difference.

Why Surfing Dogs Are a Global Sensation

The reason dog surfing captures hearts worldwide? Joy. Dogs surf because they love being with their humans. Whether it’s Labradors, corgis, or bulldogs, watching dogs ride waves reminds us of the unconditional love and laughter they bring into our lives. In a stressful world, few things are as unifying as cheering on surfing dogs.

Looking Forward to 2026

As the sun set over Pacifica, talk of next year’s contest began. Will there be new rising stars? More tandem teams? One thing is certain: the World Dog Surfing Championships will continue to make waves—literally and figuratively. Until then, we’ll be replaying clips of Cacau’s winning ride and counting the days until pups hit the waves again.