World Dog Surfing Championship: Dogs Catch Waves on the California Coast

Dogs trade tennis balls for surfboards at California's unbelievable competition. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has seen some incredible feats, but this one is paws -itively legendary.

Every year on the California coast, dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds paddle out for the World Dog Surfing Championship, a real-life event where four-legged athletes catch waves instead of frisbees.

Catching Waves, Not Fetch

At this tail-wagging showdown, each dog gets 10 minutes to ride as many waves as possible. Judges score every ride based on:

1. How long the dog stays on the board

2. Whether the dog sits, stands, or lies down

3. And yes, the size of the wave

From tiny pups to big, beach-loving breeds, every competitor brings their own style to the surf.

More Than a Competition

While the points are fun, this event is about more than trophies. The World Dog Surfing Championship proudly supports charities, turning epic wipeouts and perfect rides into meaningful impact.

Add in cheering crowds, happy humans, and dogs living their best beach lives, and you’ve got a celebration that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious.

Want More Strange? We are Just Getting Started...

Learn about even more incredible animals inside the pages of our newest book!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Seek the Strange is out now and is available at major retailers and on Amazon. Don't miss your chance to explore the weird, the wonderful, and everything in between!

Grab your copy today and explore even more unbelievable, real-life oddities you won’t find anywhere else.

Order Your Copy Today!