The aroma of wet fur, salty air and an occasional shout of "cowabunga, dog!" will point the way to the 3rd Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on Sept. 7 at Dog Beach in Del Mar.
In addition to the four-pawed surfers, prizes will also be awarded for human surfers with the longest wave, best trick and gnarliest wipe-out.
The event will benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Prizes will 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.
In preparation of the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, Pat Webber and San Diego Surfing Academy will join HWAC, pro surfer Guy Takayama and Rob Kuty from San Diego Pet Training to teach Doggie Surf Clinics at 10 and 11 a.m. Aug. 23 in Del Mar

LAID BACK: Six-year old Pomeranian Bobby Gorgeous waits to compete at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at dog beach in Del Mar, California.

WOOF-OUT: Bobby Gorgeous hangs on to the surfboard as he competes in his 20lbs and under heat at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon.

A LITTLE RUSTY: Eight-year old Russell Terrier Kai hangs on to the surfboard as she competes in the 20lbs and under heat at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon.

POOCHED: Bobby Gorgeous jumps off the surfboard at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at dog beach in Del Mar, California.

THAT'S A PADDLING: Bobby Gorgeous jumps off the surfboard during the 20lbs and under heat at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon.

LOW RIDER: Two-year-old Pug Bentley rides a wave during the 20lbs and under heat at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at dog beach in Del Mar, California.

CHASING WAVES: Kai hangs on to the surfboard as she competes in the 20lbs and under heat at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at dog beach.

SLOW BURN: Nick Wilson holds Toast, an Australian Keltie, wait for their heat at the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at dog beach in Del Mar, California.

BEACHED AS: Owners and their dogs gather in front of the judging stand as they wait for their heat to begin during the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at dog beach in Del Mar, California.

SOGGY BREAD: Nick Wilson carries his Toast out to compete in the medium class heat during the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centre Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon.

SNIFF OUT THE COMPETITION: Owners and animals greet one another before the 4th annual Helen Woodward Animal Centere Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon. The event helps raise awareness and money for orphaned pets while promoting responsible pet ownership.

photos: Reuters
source: here