These are Real Hot Dogs on Surfboards
Written by Daniel Turner, Friday May 21 2010
I’m not dropping any ‘60’s surf lingo on you when I say that the riders in the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition being held on Saturday, May 22 at Imperial Beach, CA are hot dogs. That’s because these riders are truly dogs of the canine variety.
Yes, surf season for dogs officially opens tomorrow and the contestants couldn’t be happier. Buddy, a 15 pound Jack Russell terrier from Ventura, CA is stoked and ready to open the season. Buddy hits the waves about three times a week accompanied by his human Bruce Hooker. Hooker said they also walk about six miles a day as part of Buddy’s training to keep fit enough to rip the waves. His training method works since Buddy came in first place in his weight class last season.
The Loews event has become more popular with both contestants and people who attend just to watch the spectacle of dogs riding the waves. This year the fund raising event will benefit the San Diego Police Canine Unit. Each year the competition donates to animal related causes.
The Loews event is not the only dog surfing competition in California as more and more riders are including their dogs in their activity and then entering them into competition. In fact surf dog accessories are now available. They include board shorts, wet suits, life jackets and custom made boards.
Part of the judging criteria used for the dogs does involve technique, but Loews General Manager Kathleen Cochran says she also looks for style of dress and wagging tails to indicate that the dog is digging the ride. And, while technique is valuable, one of the most popular canine wave riders is Betsy an English bulldog who simply places her squat body on the board, digs in and rides the waves. Betsy’s owner Nicole Talent says that seeing her stand on the board and ride is amusing. She adds that people find a surfing bulldog a riot to watch.
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