Top Dogs Hang Ten At World Surfing Championship

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Thousands of spectators gathered at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California, on Saturday to watch the 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships. Fourteen dogs of all sizes took to the waves, competing for prizes including towel robes, medals and placards.

The dogs were judged on several factors, including how long their ride lasted, the size of the wave they caught, their confidence, balance and any tricks they performed. A Labrador retriever named Rippin Rosie won first place in the large and extra-large category, and also triumphed in the tandem stand-up paddleboarding event alongside her owner.

Other winners included a French bulldog named Iza, who took the top spot in the medium-sized category, and a mixed breed dog named Bradley “Shortboard” Cooper, who won among the small dogs. Rough waters meant organisers had to cancel the final “surf-off” round, which would normally decide an overall champion.

Instead, Rippin Rosie was given a special “spirit of surfing” award, recognising her as the overall winner of the day. The fun event highlighted the impressive balance and bravery of the competing dogs, delighting the huge crowd who came to watch the action unfold.

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Did You Know?

What special award did Rippin Rosie win at the competition?
Rippin Rosie won the special 'spirit of surfing' award!

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.
  • spectators People who watch an event. Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the dog surfing.
  • tricks Fun actions or movements done for entertainment. The dogs performed tricks while surfing to impress the judges.
  • bravery The quality of being brave and facing fears. The dogs showed bravery by surfing in rough waters.
  • Thinking Question

    How do you think dogs feel when they surf in competitions?

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