Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 21st Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Sends Surfing Dogs Riding Waves for Orphan Pets
RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DIVE IN! Today, more than 50 four-legged surfers are making a splash at Del Mar Dog Beach for the 21st annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, presented by Blue Buffalo. The longest-running doggie surf competition is back for its ultimate summer send-off, with talented SurFURS and gromMUTTs paddling, riding and fetching top-dog honors — all while raising life-saving funds for orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. The action takes place TODAY, Sunday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST at Del Mar Dog Beach.
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon was a first-of-its-kind event that transformed the irresistible sight of dogs on surfboards into a powerful force for good. What began as a celebration of canine courage and surf skills has grown into a beloved tradition that raises life-saving funds for orphan pets — while proving, year after year, that “man’s best friend” is capable of truly phenomenal things.
Hoping to earn a coveted spot among the “Top Surf Dogs,” canine competitors will hit the waves in 10-minute heats, showing off their surfing skills before a panel of surf pros and passionate aficionados. Judges will score each furry competitor on ride length, wave technique, enthusiasm and, of course, confidence on the board. First-, second- and third-place winners will be crowned in each weight class, with the top dogs advancing to the ultimate showdown: the Best-In-Surf finals!
The day will also unleash a separate Freestyle Surf Contest, where creativity takes center stage and almost anything goes on the waves. Two crowd-favorite categories are back: Duos & Trios, featuring two — and sometimes even three — dogs sharing a single surfboard, and the Peeps & Pups Tandem Competition, where four-legged surfers and their favorite humans team up to ride the waves together.
There’s more in store for the whole family, with a full lineup of beachside activities and entertainment including a special ceremony honoring Surf Dog legends Sugar, Faith and Delilah, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony — where the day’s top four-legged stars will take home their well-earned honors.
What makes Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon truly special is that every wave ridden helps create a second chance for an orphan pet. With all proceeds supporting Helen Woodward Animal Center’s lifesaving work, the event gives surfing and fundraising pooches the chance to win prizes while making an incredible difference.
Portions of today’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon competition (including the “Best in Surf” Heat at 12:00 PM PST) will be streamed live on https://www.facebook.com/surfdogsurfathon/.
For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon/ or call 858-756-4117.
About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org.
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SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center
