Dogs Catch Waves In Surfing Competition

[Boronia]

I reckon the white dog in the 6th photo doesn't want to go back swimming

http://www.abc.net.a...-photos/5776248

Dogs descend on Huntington Beach, California, to catch waves in surfing competition

Photo: "Joey" gets into a solid position to ride a wave in the small dog division at Huntington Beach, California. (AFP: Mark Ralston)

Dozens of sun-loving dogs and their owners have descended on a California beach to test the canines' surfing skills.

The Surf City surf dog contest is now in its sixth year, attracting competitors to Huntington Beach, south of Los Angeles.

The beach and its surrounding suburbs are somewhat of a mecca for holidaying dog owners. It is known for its canine-friendly hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Scroll down to see photos from this year's festivities.

Photo: The small dogs couldn't escape the big waves, like this canine competitor who wiped out in the whitewater. (AFP: Mark Ralston)

Photo: "Tillman" the bulldog rides down the face of a wave, wearing a life jacket for safety. (Reuters: Lucy Nicholson)

Photo: Surfer's best friend: a dog runs into the water to compete in the sixth annual Surf City surf dog contest. (Reuters: Lucy Nicholson)

Photo: A dog balances on a board as it waits for a chance to ride a wave. (AFP: Mark Ralston)

Photo: Tiring work: a man carries his dog back to the water for another go at the waves. (Reuters: Lucy Nicholson)

Photo: These two dogs didn't manage to make it through this wave in the tandem division. (AFP: Mark Ralston)

[Kirislin]

fantastic photos but I do wonder if some of the dogs are terrified. I dont know. I also wonder if any are injured either by the waves or getting hit by boards. The tethered dog coming off worries me.

Edited September 29, 2014 by Kirislin

[Little Gifts]

See I'm thinking I love the surf but often come out of a wave looking exactly like those dogs (hair and all)! So I can't imagine forcing a dog into the water or up on a board if they didn't like it, even if they did come out looking pretty messed up. If I put one of mine on a board and stepped away they'd simply jump off and swim after me. Not sure how high I'd let the surf be if I had a surf loving dog but some dogs do seem to like an adrenalin rush.