Watch these dogs ride the waves at World Dog Surfing Championship
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lifestyle/pets

We can't believe their skill.

ByVincenza Belletti
3 days agoUpdated: August 7, 2026, 9:26 am EDTPublished: August 6, 2026, 11:15 am EDT
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Dogs are often smart and agile animals. Some of these impressive pups even enter competitions to measure athleticism and intelligence. Typically, these are agility competitions, but the competition for one group of pups looks a little bit different.

The World Dog Surfing Championship was held on August 1 and featured dozens of them. With just a little bit of encouragement from their humans, these dogs fought to get first place in surfing. What a sight to behold!

Wow, this is beyond impressive! A variety of pups were entered in the competition; some sporting goggles while others donned life vests for safety. No matter what the dog was wearing though, they were cruising through the water and having the time of their lives. Everyone looks like a winner to us!

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People in the comments were beyond impressed with the display of athleticism. One person said, “It’s so amazing that dogs can actually surf!! What an incredible experience for them!!” while another person commented, “The backward one being upper level.”

Others compared these dogs to their own pups, such as a viewer who said, “This is so sweet! Meanwhile my dog trips over her own feet LOL.”

These surfing dogs are nothing short of amazing. With all of these spectators, they kept their cool and put on a fantastic display of canine athleticism. We love to see it!

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How To Teach Your Dog to Swim in the Ocean

After watching this video, there’s no doubt several dog parents are suddenly itching to teach their dogs to surf. However, before a dog can get to this level, they need to be comfortable swimming in the ocean. There are a few ways to help your pup feel safe while swimming in the open water.

First, your dog should learn to swim in calm waters, such as a pool or a small lake. Encourage them to enter the water using positive reinforcement through treats and toys. Continue to encourage them to swim deeper so they can learn to tread water. Additionally, your dog should wear a life vest from the beginning so they will be comfortable wearing one in the ocean.

When your pup is a confident swimmer in the pool or lake, you may feel it’s time to venture to the ocean for more of a challenge. Remain close by incase of large waves or strong currents. Encourage them to feel the rocking of the water and allow them to acclimate to this new sensation.

Remember not to let your dog over-do it in the water. Pups love to play and don’t always know when to call it quits. Some dogs experience water intoxication while swimming from swallowing excess fresh water, and others get saltwater poisoning at the beach. Additionally, excess time in the water can cause exhaustion and ear infections from trapped moisture.

These surfing dogs are major pros. They're comfortable in water and know how to balance on a surf board while riding the waves. We're already looking forward to this competition next year!

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