Dogs catch waves, steal hearts in San Diego Surf competition: Watch

Dogs started paddling to make a difference.

This year, Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon was the 20th edition of the dog surfing competition.

The event was held at Del Mar Dog Beach, where dozens of canine surfers joined in for a noble cause: raising funds for orphan pets supported by a local animal care centre.

Last year’s winner, James Wall, took part in this year’s competition with his dog named Faith, whom he rescued as a pup, and has been competing in it for the last 13 years and won as best surfer of 2025.

For Wall, surfing partnership often lifts spirits, recalling messages from people who said seeing Faith on a surfboard made their day.

Let’s take a look at this year’s top three surfers of 2025:

Best in Surf:

1. Faith - 1st place
2. Petey 2nd place
3. Rasca-3rd place

This year, over 50 surfing dogs competed for top slots. The surfing dogs were judged on multiple factors, like weight class, designed in different heat categories.

Judges score the dogs based on various criteria, including the length of their ride and overall technique.

Among the spotlights of this year’s Surf-a-Thon was a special ceremony that honored legendary surfing dogs such as Derby California and Cherie the Surfing Frenchie.

The funds raised through this competition are spent on animal welfare programs.

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon isn’t just a competition but a celebration of community spirit and the astonishing display of skills.