Pups catch some waves in Pismo Beach surf competition. See the adorable pics

A lineup of the best boys hit the waves in Pismo Beach on Saturday, showing off their doggone good surf skills.

The World Dog Surfing Championships Exhibition Tour took over the north side of the Pier, bringing together “the world’s top dog surfing teams” as they compete alongside local canines.

Hundreds of people packed the area to watch as the pooches showed off their gnarly skills. They mingled about the pop-up tents dedicated to each of the professional teams, checking out merchandise emblazoned with their team name and images and learning each dog’s story.

Throughout it all, hundreds of non-competing dogs wandered the crowds, wagging tails abounding.

Starting at 10 a.m., the six invited pros and local participants headed out into the water. Human surf partners led the larger dogs in, though the smaller pups had to be hauled out in their partners’ arms.

Some, like Labrador “Rippin’ Rosie” seemed to have fan followings, with dozens of people cheering her on as she calmly rode the surfboard toward shore.

Others, like Labrador Pancho with the nonprofit Flow Surf Academy, were competing in their first-ever showcase. Flow hosts surf days for athletes with special needs and their families, which includes activities with surfing dogs.

“He’s been doing that for years,” Cindee Teer said while working the merchandise booth set up for the pup. Nearby, sweatshirts and stickers featuring his smiling face on a surfboard were available for sale.

“This is his actual first surf competition,” she added with a grin, noting the happy dog was a “natural” surfer.

“He’s hilarious because once he gets off the board, he’s got to pull his board all the way up (the sand),” she said. “He’s got this whole little routine.”

At one point during the morning, Pancho exhibited just that skill, much to the pleasure of the cheering and laughing crowd.

“You just can’t stop him,” Teer said. “He loves it more than anything.”

For those who missed Pancho’s performance, the Ventura-based gym is expecting to be back in Pismo Beach again July 25 to host one of its free surf days. Athletes with special needs who wish to sign up for the surf day can do so at Flow’s website.

See the rest of the photos from the day’s event below:

Kaytlyn Leslie

The Tribune

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Kaytlyn Leslie writes about business and development for The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Hailing from Nipomo, she also covers city governments and happenings in San Luis Obispo. She joined The Tribune in 2013 after graduating from Cal Poly with her journalism degree.