SURFING DOGS

Some dogs really do surf.

And some of them are surprisingly good at it.

Noosa

The Noosa Festival of Surfing has a dedicated Surfing Dog Championships, held at First Point. In 2026 it was the 15th year of the event, with 12 dogs taking part and thousands of spectators watching from the beach.

It isn't just a novelty photo opportunity. Dogs compete with their humans and are judged on their time and performance on the board. Some competitors have become familiar faces at the event over several years.

See the Noosa Surfing Dog Championships →

CALIFORNIA & THE WORLD

Around the world

Noosa isn't the only place where dogs get their own surf competition. The World Dog Surfing Championships are based on the California coast, where the organised competition scene began. The 2026 championships were held at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, with separate heats for different dog sizes as well as tandem dog and human-and-dog categories.

CALIFORNIA

World Dog Surfing Championships

The competition includes different dog-size heats, tandem categories and a global Best Waves video competition.

See the World Dog Surfing video archive →

Want to give surfing a go with your little mate?

Start with the dog, not the gear. Some dogs love the water and some really don't. Keep the first attempts easy, stay in conditions you're comfortable with and don't force it if your dog isn't enjoying it.

A properly fitted dog life jacket is worth considering, particularly one with a handle that makes it easier to help your dog out of the water. It doesn't turn a dog into a swimmer, though, so keep an eye on them the whole time.

If your furry pal turns out to be a natural, you're going to want some evidence. A dog-friendly camera harness such as the GoPro Fetch can let you capture the action without trying to hold a camera at the same time.

And if a little encouragement helps with the training, use whatever small treat your dog already loves. Carrot works for some dogs; there are also plenty of ordinary dog training treats that are easy to carry to the beach.

Dog life jacket →GoPro Fetch dog harness →Beach-friendly dog leash →Small training treats →

Keep it sensible

Conditions that are manageable for a person can still be a lot for a dog. Watch the surf, currents, temperature and your dog's behaviour. Rinse salt and sand off afterwards and make sure your dog has fresh water available.

Noosa's event provides dog life vests and lifeguards, and its FAQ says dogs should already be comfortable in the water and on a surfboard before entering. That's a useful benchmark for trying it recreationally too.