Kelpie wins dog surfing competition

Over 50 dogs kitted out in surfing gear took to the waves of Imperial Beach in California for the sixth annual dog surfing competition.

The water-loving canines battled it out in 10 minute heats as they attempted to catch at least two waves.

The competition, officially known as the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition, drew in locals as well as dog surfers of all shapes and sizes from across America.

The heats were divided into three sub categories; for small dogs weighing under 40 pounds, for their larger counterparts and for dogs and their owners who were surfing in tandem on the board.

Judges assessed each mutt’s surfing style, confidence, length of time spent on a wave, as well as their fashion sense, with some pups coming decked out in Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses.

The best performers were awarded a ‘Very Important Pet holiday’ at the San Diego resort as well as a feature in Modern Dog Magazine.

All profits from the competition were donated to DonorsChoose.org, an online forum which public teachers in San Diego can use to get funding for school supplies from private sponsors.

This year’s first place winners in the small dog category, Michael Uy and his Australian Kelpie, Abbie Girl, also took home third place in the category of tandem dogs.

This is the second time the duo, who have been surfing for four years, take home the first place prize.

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