You Can Lead a Dog to Water but You Can’t Make It Surf

 

Grab your surfboard and your best four-legged friend and head down to Dog Beach in Del Mar for a day of surfing and fun during the third annual “Surf Dog Surf A Thon on Sunday, September 7. That’s what So- Cal living is all about. In 2007 several hundred dogs and thousands of people “joined paws” to make the second annual “Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon” benefiting Helen Woodward Animal Center a major success!

 

The event at Dog Beach in Del Mar has even higher expectations for 2008. “We’re amazed by how large this event has grown in just two years,” says Helen Woodward Animal Center spokesman John Van Zante. “Last year we had 42 registered surfing dogs, 110 human surfers, and more spectators lining the beach than we could count.”

 

HWAC Sponsorship Manager Nedra Abramson says that Surf Dog 2007 netted almost four times more than the first Surf Dog event. “We predict most participants and sponsors will return from last year and many more will sign up. We’re expecting major growth with all proceeds going directly back to support the programs and services that Helen Woodward Animal Center provides for animals and people in-need.”

Surf Dog 2008 will be fun and excitement both in the water and on the sand. In addition to all the attention the four legged surfers will get from spectators and the media, prizes will also be awarded for human surfers with the Longest Wave, Best Trick, and Gnarliest Wipe-Out as determined by judges Guy Takayama and members of Swami’s Surfing Association.

 

Prizes will also be awarded for surfers who raise the most money. The Grand Prize for the top fundraiser will be an all-expense paid surf trip for two to an exotic destination. The team that raises the most money will win a trip for six to surfing hot spot Las Gaviotas.

 

Activities are also planned for those who prefer to remain dry, with the main attraction being the Canine Costume Contest. Pups will strut their stuff on the “dogwalk” as celebrity judges pick this year’s Beach Bum and Bikini Babe Title Champs.

 

Last but not least, for those who want to get a head start on the dog surfing, Pat Webber and San Diego Surfing Academy will be joining Helen Woodward Animal Center again for Doggie Surf Clinics. The clinics are scheduled for August 9 th and 23 rd in Del Mar and on August 16 th at the Guy Takayama Surfing Contest in Oceanside.

 

For more information visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe or call 858-756-4117 x339.Register for 2008 here