Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA®, hosts the third annual Surf City Surf Dog, set for Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25, 2011. Pooches will be able to “hang 20” in surfing competitions and strut their stuff in a variety of doggone fun activities and contests throughout the three-day weekend, all while raising funds for animal welfare organizations.
Located in Orange County approximately 35 miles south west of Los Angeles, the City of Huntington Beach is the quintessential Southern California beach town. The city’s coastal waters are legendary for their unique surf break and are the site of many elite surfing tournaments, including the US Open of Surfing, the largest surfing competition in the world.
Surf City Surf Dog entrants compete in four weight-class divisions and will be judged on a variety of skills, including the duration of their ride and their confidence on the board. Marine conditions such as the size of the wave will also be taken into consideration. Prizes will be awarded to the top dogs but, of course, all pooches will be winners and will receive a participation award.
Dogs who prefer to keep all four paws on dry land still can strut their stuff by entering the PAWabunga Canine Costume or Owner/Dog Look-a-Like contests. The public and their pets are welcome at the two-day Hot Diggity Dog Expo that will feature more than 40 pet-related vendors and organizations.
A portion of the event entry fees will benefit the following official charity partners: Southern California Bulldog Rescue, Huntington Dog Beach, Orange County Humane Society, Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond and Surf Dog Ricochet.
Registration fees vary for the competitions and activities. The Opening Ceremonies and Fashion Show have a suggested donation of $10, while the Hot Diggity Dog Expo, Closing Ceremonies and general event attendance are free and open to the public and their leashed, four-legged friends.
Friday, Sept. 23:
Shorebreak Hotel (500 Pacific Coast Highway)
6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
6:30 p.m. Dog is Beachin’ Fashion Show presented by Dog is Good
Saturday, Sept. 24
The Strand on 5th
Noon to 4 p.m.: Hot Diggity Dog Expo
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: PAWabunga Canine Costume and Owner Look-a-Like contests
Sunday, Sept. 25
Huntington Dog Beach (Pacific Coast Highway at Goldenwest Street)
7:30 a.m. Surf Dog registration opens
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hot Diggity Dog Expo
8 a.m. to 1p.m.: Surf Dog competition heats
1:30 to 4 p.m.: The Shorebreak Hotel Awards and Closing Ceremonies