Watch: Adorable Dogs Gear Up for Surfing Showdown at Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in Del Mar

The 18th edition of the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is just around the corner. Organized by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, dog surfing’s premier competition is set to decide which dog successfully conquers the waves at the Del Mar Dog Beach on the 10th of September. More than 70 adorable dogs are set to grace the stage where they will be judged for their surfing skills and their balance on the board. The judges’ panel consists of surfing experts and former surfers who will evaluate the competitors’ length of the surf along with their enthusiasm and form.

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon will also include 10-minute heats and prizes will be awarded to each weight class’ winner, runner-up, and third-place finisher. All winners will eventually move towards the finals where they will be battling each other for the ultimate crown – the Best-In-Surf title. Last year, a surfing veteran also made her way to San Diego in a quest to claim the ultimate prize.

When dog surfing veteran Delilah attended Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

In the 17th edition of the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, dog surfing veteran Delilah, who has been surfing for nearly a decade, also made an appearance. According to an NBC San Diego’s last year’s report, Delilah’s owner, Connie Horn had said, “She loves the waves and you can tell. She did really well. I’m so proud of her and we of course love the other dogs, too. We cheer them all on but we want our dogs to win.” 

Delilah’s brother Sampson had also competed alongside her in the 17th edition of the premier tournament as both cocker spaniels aged 13 and 15 mesmerized the crowd and the judges alike.

As for this year, the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 10 and will also include a costume competition, with this year’s theme being Rockstars & Music Legends.

There are various entry fees for surf competitions, costume competitions, and dog registration that range from $5 to $60. All the proceeds from all fees and donations will be invested into programs at the nonprofit Helen Woodward Animal Center which is based in Rancho Santa Fe. As the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon approaches, fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of The Big Kahuna, who is expected to retire this year in her last race at Del Mar.

Cherie’s one last surf at Del Mar

A true legend of the dog surfing world, Cherie, is set to retire this year. Cherie, who is also known as The Big Kahuna, has a decade-long experience in the dog surfing world.

She first started her journey at the famed Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon event in Del Mar, and she is now set to retire at the same event in a few days, capping off a wonderful career at 11 years old.

One of her most recent wins came at the Incredible Dog Challenge in Huntington Beach, a competition that she won for the second consecutive year. According to a People’s report, Cherie’s owner Dan Nykolayko had recently said, “She and I have a great time playing out in the water together, and it brings smiles to people’s faces when they get to see it, and we’re doing our best to make a little difference in the world.”

Read more: “World’s Biggest” Surfing Dog Championship Set to Highlight Iconic Noosa Surfing Festival

While it remains to be seen, who all will be joining Cherie at the 2023 Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in Del Mar, fans hope for some epic performances from these furry canines. With only a few days to go, registrations for the event remain open till the day of the event as dog owners prepare their pets for the ultimate dog surfing competition. 

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