Grab your Great Dane and Wax your board for Surf Dog 2009! 

Del Mar, CA – “It’s the perfect So Cal event!” That’s how a reporter from England described the annual “Surf Dog Surf A Thon” benefiting Helen Woodward Animal Center. Now is the time to register yourself (and your dog) to learn to surf during the Surf Dog Clinics on Saturday, August 8, Sunday, August 16, and Saturday, August 22 at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The clinics give dogs a, “leg up” for the fourth annual, “Surf Dog Surf A Thon” on Sunday, September 13 in Del Mar.  

“Hundreds of dogs and thousands of people joined paws to make Helen Woodward Animal Center’s third annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon the world’s largest dog surfing event,” says HWAC Big Kahuna John Van Zante. “This year we’ll limit participation to the first 120 dogs but we’re expecting 150 human surfers, and thousands of spectators.” 

HWAC Sponsorship, “Wahini” Nedra Abramson says, “We’ll see returning surfers and sponsors from last year and a lot of new businesses that want to catch the wave of Surf Dog success. Proceeds support the programs and services that Helen Woodward Animal Center provides for animals and people in-need.”

 
Surf Dog 2009 on September 13 will be feature the first, “Doo the Dah for the Dogs” contest. Individual and team surfers of up to 10 people will surf in two 20-minute heats while wearing theme costumes. Judges including world champion tandem surfer Guy Takayama and members of Swami’s Surfing Association will pick the top three individual or team costumes as well as the best themed team ride. 

There will also be activities for Sand Crabs including the, “Beach Bum and Bikini Babe Canine Costume Contest.” Dogs will strut their stuff on the, “catwalk” as celebrity judges pick the best costumes. (The 2008 contest is featured on, “Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches” airing worldwide on, “The Travel Channel.”) 

Register now for the Doggie Surf Clinics on Saturday, August 8, Sunday, August 16, and Saturday, August 22 at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Each one-hour clinic is limited to 25 dogs per session. Cost is $45 per dog. No more than one dog per human. Pat Webber and San Diego Surfing Academy will join pro surfer and board designer Guy Takayama and San Diego Pet Training owner Rob Kuty to teach dogs and owners to surf safely.   

For more information click here, visitHelen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe or call 858-756-4117 x339.