World Dog Surfing Championships: Thousands watch dogs ride waves at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica

PACIFICA, Calif. — Thousands of spectators gathered at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica on Saturday to watch dogs ride the waves during the annual World Dog Surfing Championships.

Cacau, a chocolate Labrador from Brazil, won the gold medal for “Best Surfing Dog” for herself and her owner, Ivan Moreira, based on duration of ride, technique, confidence and size or strength of the wave.

Twenty dogs of various breeds and sizes, from countries as far away as Japan, caused a stir and tried to perform their best surfing performances in one of the Bay Area’s most popular surfing destinations.

A chocolate Labrador retriever from Brazil named Cacau paddleboarded with his owner Ivan Moreira. Although the surf conditions became rough as the competition progressed, the duo made quick turns on the water to the amazement of the crowd.

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“There’s about 6,000 or 7,000 people here to watch the dogs surf,” said Christine Miller, a volunteer at the event. The crowd began lining up on the beach about an hour before the first round of small dogs kicked off the competition.

The waves were divided according to size and surfing style. Some dogs surfed alone or with another four-legged companion on the same board. Others rode the waves with their owners.

Every time a dog managed to catch a wave, the spectators would burst into cheers.

Competitors competed for first, second or third place in each heat. The dogs that placed first and second in each solo heat then competed for the coveted “Best Surfing Dog” award.

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Each surfer, tail wagging, headed into the water with a life jacket and its owner helped them move forward to face the waves. Some remained standing on all fours while others chose to sit or lie down.

Derby California and his owner, Kentucky Gallahue, who sported matching blue mohawks, came from San Diego to compete. Derby is a 12-year-old Golden Doodle who started surfing at age 4.

“Derby really got into surfing the first time I took him to a dog beach,” Gallahue said. “Being able to spend time with his best friend, riding waves and making people smile makes us happy.”

The extra-large category featured only Labrador retrievers, a breed known for its affinity for getting wet.

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“Labradors are literally a different breed in the water,” said Justin Cho, a spectator from San Mateo. “They’re so eager to get in the water and surf.”

Rosie Drottar, also known as Rippin’ Rosie, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, rode several waves to the beach, which helped boost her score.

Faith, a 12-year-old pit bull from San Diego, also competed with flying colors, wearing reflective rainbow-colored goggles as she surfed in the mid-size category.

“Not only is it a lot of fun, but we also meet some of the coolest people I would never have met otherwise,” said James Wall, Faith’s owner.