June 21, 2012 -
These dogs were part of the Loews Dog Surfing Competition at Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego on June 16. More than 50 dogs participated as thousands of fans watched the event. Ricochet, a golden retriever, who won in the large dog category.
VIDEO: The Dogs in Action
Dog surfing trainers say the dogs who like the water and the beach are in the sport and that dogs who fear the water are not even trainable.
Do Dogs Really Like to Surf?
Dogs first learn to be "desensitized" to the surfboard.
The dogs are judged on their confidence, length of ride and fashion, according to judge Teevan McManus.
Life vests are a must for the dogs in the competition.
If dogs are enthusiastic about the sport, are in good health and are monitored very carefully with safety in mind, the Humane Society gives the sport a thumbs up.
Once canines are comfortable on the surfboards they are taken out onto the water and trainers hold the boards while letting the dogs feel the rhythm of the water
Owners should first have their dogs checked out thoroughly by a veterinarian to make sure the pets are healthy enough to withstand the activity, experts say.
Most breeds can participate. Bulldogs like to lie down on the board, however, probably due to distribution of their weight. PHOTOS: Record-Breaking Dogs
