Surfboards, life vests, and very good dogs are set to take over Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica on Aug. 1, when the World Dog Surfing Championships return for a full day of waves, wagging tails, and shoreline spectacle. The event features size-based surf heats, tandem runs with humans, awards, a pet wellness fair, mobile adoptions, and a dog fashion and costume contest. Spectator admission is free, and organizers say the day is designed to raise funds for local rescues.
Schedule and registration
Entrant check-in starts at 9 AM, with dog-surfing exhibitions and competitive heats scheduled to run from about 9:20 AM to 1:30 PM, according to the official schedule posted by the World Dog Surfing Championships. Dogs and teams must register in advance to compete, and entrants are slated to receive a VIP gift bag that includes treats and event swag, as noted on Eventbrite.
Adoptions and charities
On the sand, mobile adoption tents from Rocket Dog Rescue and the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA are expected to be busy, with organizers saying donations and sponsorships from the event will support both groups. The Peninsula Humane Society lists the Linda Mar competition on its events calendar and urges potential adopters to review adoption requirements ahead of time so they are ready if they meet their new best friend on the beach.
A close call: Who stepped in
Organizers say rising permit and city fees almost wiped the 10th-anniversary contest off the calendar. They ultimately met a roughly $12,000 fundraising goal and lined up sponsors, including Lagunitas Brewing Company, to keep the championships in Pacifica, NBC Bay Area reported. That community backing helped cover fees that organizers say have increased sharply since 2020.
Expect crowds and plan ahead
The championships have drawn big turnouts in recent years. One volunteer estimated roughly 6,000 to 7,000 spectators showed up in 2024, so organizers and reporters alike are telling people to plan for tight parking and crowded viewing spots. To avoid long delays, ABC7 recommends arriving early and carpooling or using transit where possible.
How to register, volunteer or learn more
Both entrants and volunteers can sign up through the official event website or via Eventbrite, where the organizers have posted rules, schedules, and partner details. Coastside outlets first tipped off locals to the Pacifica dates last Friday; for that early announcement, see the original notice in the HMB Review.
