Share this @internewscast.com
Charlie, a 10-year-old yellow lab, is so fond of surfing that he’ll eagerly grab his surfboard and dash toward the water. Occasionally, his owners have to hide his board to prevent him from heading out while they socialize on the beach.
On Saturday, Charlie joined 15 to 20 other canine surfers in Pacifica, located 22 kilometers south of San Francisco, for the World Dog Surfing Championships. This annual event attracts thousands of spectators to Pacifica State Beach.
Dogs competed against others of similar size for the opportunity to make it to the finals. Some heats included multiple dogs surfing together or alongside humans.
Contest winners received medals and bragging rights.
Charlie’s fellow yellow lab and “Dream Team” partner, Rosie, participated in four heats. Her owner, Steve Drottar, mentioned that the 4-year-old lab feels “stoked” after their surf sessions, which they enjoy four to five times a week in Santa Cruz.
Drottar expressed, “It’s like, hey, we actually did something today, right? We did something together as a team. And the fact that you can do something as a team with your dog creates a different bond than you have when you just take your dog for a walk.”
He can tell Rosie feels a sense of accomplishment afterward because she is extra happy, wags her tail extra hard and snuggles even more than usual.
“It’s like we go home on the couch and it feels like she’s saying, ‘Thank you,’” Drottar said.
