An Introduction to Dog Surfing

Equipment

To get started with dog surfing, you’ll need some simple gadgets. First, a robust surfboard designed for dogs that provides stability and safety. You may additionally want a nicely-fitting life jacket for your domestic dog, just in case. Don’t forget a leash to connect the board to your dog’s collar or harness for his or her protection.

Training

Before hitting the waves, it is vital to get your dog comfortable on the board. Start on dry land, giving them treats and rewards to assist them in associating it with advantageous experiences. Once they’re balancing well, move to shallow, calm water. Let them paddle around while holding the leash to keep them secure. Provide lots of encouragement and rewards to keep them engaged.

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Finding the Right Wave

Look for beach breaks with small, gentle waves to start. Calm, shallow water is best as your dog learns. Watch the surf and look for lulls between sets of waves to push your dog into position. As they get more advanced, you can try slightly larger waves. But always put safety first, especially when starting.

Riding the Wave

When a small wave comes, give your dog the “ride the wave” command and run into the surf next to them. Hold the leash to keep them steady as the wave lifts the board. Once balanced, let go of the leash so they can ride freely. Run alongside shouting encouragement and praise. After a few seconds, take hold of the leash again to keep them from tipping over. With practice, they may get better and higher at balancing and steerage on their own!

Whether at the beach or in competitions, dog surfing may be a fun interest for you and your adventurous pup to experience together. Follow a few primary protection guidelines, get the right equipment, and begin training on small waves. Before you know it, you may be striking ten together with your high-quality furry pal!

How to Train Your Dog to Surf

Want to hold ten along with your four-legged friend? Dog surfing is all the rage, however, it does take a little training to get your doggy ready to trip the waves.

• Start on land. Teach your dog the “sit”, “stay”, and “come” commands. These provide the foundation for balance and obedience they’ll need on a board. Once they’ve mastered that, get them accustomed to the board on dry land. Give them treats and praise to help them associate the board with positive experiences.
• Move to shallow water. When your dog is comfortable on the board on land, take it into a few inches of water. Have them practice the same commands to stay balanced while the board is slowly moving. Give lots of positive reinforcement to keep them engaged. Start in a lake or bay before heading into the ocean. The waves can be intimidating, so gradual exposure is best.
• Head into the surf. On a small wave day, take your dog into waist-deep water and have them get on the board with you. Gently push into an oncoming wave, while giving the “stay” command. If they remain balanced, give lots of praise! Repeat this while very slowly letting go of them to allow short periods of independent balancing. With practice and patience, they’ll gain the confidence and skills to surf solo.
• The keys are going slowly. Keeping sessions short and fun, and giving your dog plenty of praise and treats. While not every dog takes to surfing, many thrive on this outdoor activity with their owners. With the right training and preparation, you’ll be hanging ten with your best friend in no time!

Top Dog Surfing Competitions and Events Around the World

Dog Surfing Championships, Sunshine Coast, Australia

On the other side of the Pacific, Australia hosts an annual dog surfing contest in March along Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It began in 2012 and includes an “expressions session” where dogs can show off their skills and style. You’ll spot everything from Border Collies to French Bulldogs riding the waves.

Imperial Beach Dog Surfing Competition, California

Just south of San Diego, Imperial Beach holds a dog surfing contest each August. It’s one of the only events that allows both dogs and their owners to surf together in the tandem division. You’ll see all types of pooches, from pint-sized to massive, balancing on longboards with their owners. The competition raises funds for the Imperial Beach Dog Park.

With your own dog by your side, you’ll find it ruff not to smile, laugh and feel the warmth of the tight-knit surfing community. Follow Rate The Biz for more!rate

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