The waves were looking "ruff" at the second annual World Dog Surfing Championships, held on Saturday at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California.
Wait, what? Yes, this is a thing. The website describes the event as "the premier dog surfing event in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, from the historic team that conceived & pioneered the concept of dog surfing competitions!"
We are witnessing history here, folks. Gather 'round.
As far as we can tell, the point of this is mainly to take in the hilarious and all-too-rare sight of dogs on surfboards. It's for a good cause, though — while attending the event is free, hopeful doggos (and their humans) are encouraged to fundraise for local charities, and a portion of the proceeds go to dog, surfing and environmental nonprofits.
As for the competition aspect, there are first-, second- and third-place winners named in each category. Aside from surfing divisions for small, medium and large dogs, there are also awards for tandem dog surfing, ball fetching, and dog beach fashion.
When it comes to the surfing competitions, a San Francisco Chronicle article explains that it's on the humans to pick the right waves and set the pups up for success.
“It’s subjective,” judge Sam Stahl told the Chronicle's website of the evaluation process. “It’s a feeling. You’re looking for ability to stand, ride, move in the wave. You’re looking for style. How panicked or how calm the dog is. That makes a difference.”
Three dozen dogs were in the running to become America's next top dog surfer.
On land, crowds could shop for high-end pet gear from vendors or speak with volunteers from the local humane society.
A doggone good time was had by all!