Thousands of people came out to the third annual World Dog Surfing Championships yesterday at Pacifica State Beach.
Gidget — a five-year-old pug from San Diego — was crowned the “Top Dog” or winner of the day. Affectionately known as “Fidget Gidget” she’s popular for the tricks she does on her board like 360 degree turns and “walking the board.” Dogs came ready in wetsuits, sunglasses and some with their own custom surfboards.
This year’s event had over 40 competitors from all over the state and country. It’s one of at least eight dog surfing competitions in the state, according to organizer Andre Crump.
“We consider it a sport. These dogs are athletes and the humans who train them are athletes, but a lot of the people who do this just do it for fun,” says Crump.
The dogs are judged based on their ability to stay on the board, their confidence and ease on the water, and their surfing tricks.