Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. – September 16, 2026 -- Dogs of all sizes are hitting the waves this year at Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, an event where canine surfing skills translate directly into rescue funding for orphan pets.
Competitors surf in 10-minute heats judged by surf pros
Dogs compete in weight-class heats, each lasting 10 minutes, while a panel of surf professionals and enthusiasts score performances on ride length, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board. First-, second- and third-place winners are crowned in each weight class, with top finishers advancing to the Best-In-Surf finals.
A Freestyle contest lets dogs surf with friends and owners
A separate Freestyle Surf Contest features a Duos & Trios category, where two or three dogs share a single surfboard, and the Peeps & Pups Tandem Competition, pairing dogs with their human companions on the waves.
The day honors past Surf Dog legends before the awards ceremony
Beachside activities and entertainment round out the event, including a ceremony honoring Surf Dog legends Sugar, Faith and Delilah. The day closes with an awards ceremony recognizing the top four-legged competitors.
Every wave ridden funds Helen Woodward's rescue work
All proceeds from the Surf-a-Thon support Helen Woodward Animal Center's animal rescue and care programs. Portions of the competition, including the Best in Surf heat at 12:00 PM PST, will stream live on Facebook.