Surfing Goes To The Dogs As Hounds Hang Ten

More than 50 dogs of all sizes have gathered along the shore of San Diego for an intense day of competitive surfing.

The event drew in hundreds of local citizens as well as dog surfers from across the globe.

The seventh annual dog surfing competition, officially known as the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition, has triggered a wave of similar dog-surfing events across the world.

Dogs compete in 10-minute heats and are scored on their best two waves.

The heats are subdivided into three categories - small dogs, large dogs and tandem dogs.

Judges look for confidence in the four-legged surfers as well as a long wave ride and a good sense of fashion.

"So what we're looking for could be length of ride, maybe that little bit of extra flair that a dog has, from the way they're dressed up to, maybe some sunglasses, whatever it might be," says Teevan McManus, owner of Coronado Surfing Academy and a judge at the competition.

"Then we're always looking for something that stands out."

This year's first place winners under the small dog category were returning champs Michael Uy and his Australian Kelpie, Abbie Girl.

This is the third time the duo, who have been surfing for five years, took home first prize, although Mr Uy said he did not expect the win.

"You know actually this year I was injured so, a little bit of an underdog coming in but we do this because we love surfing together in the water," Mr Uy said.

"So, it's kind of amazing how all of this has come about, we are very honoured."

The competition draws people from all over the United States - and not only tourists.

"I have a crazy wife, who, when we were running a restaurant in New Jersey, said to me 'You know what? I saw an article about surfing dogs in southern California'," said Rich Berlin, a contestant with his dog Louie.

"And she said 'You know what? I'm going out to California, I'm going to show him how to surf'.

"Everyone thought she was crazy, so we drove out here, Louie got his surfing lesson and he loved it, and I sold the business, moved out here, and we've been surfing with Louie ever since, and he loves the water."

For many participants, dog surfing is a way to extend fun times on the water to man's best friend.

"I'm a surfer myself, so I think it's great that just not only humans get out in the water, but dogs love water too, so why not get out there and get on the board?" said contestant Chris Caringer.

Winners of the competition receive a special vacation package at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort and snacks for their pets.

This year Loews has partnered with ASPCA to donate all profits from the event.