One of the Bay Area’s most adorable traditions is back this weekend: the World Dog Surfing Championship. The event is just as it sounds: a group of adorable dogs takes to the ocean on surfboards, as crowds eagerly cheer them on. Here’s what to know.
World Dog Surfing Championship 2026
The annual event is this Saturday, August 1, at Pacifica Beach. The fun starts at 9:20 am, with check-in for participating pups opening at 9 am. Attendees can expect to see various dogs surfing during the morning, with multiple categories including small dogs, tandem dogs, and more. The surfing will end around 1:30 pm, with awards ending at 2 pm. Check out the competition schedule below:
- Small Surf Dogs Award
- Lagunitas Medium Surf Dogs Award
- The San Francisco Peninsula Large / Extra Large Dogs Award
- The SUP Dogs Award
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tandem Dogs Award
- Chef’s Pure Pet Tandem Human/Dog Award
- Lagunitas Top Dogs Award
- California Canine Dog Beach Fashion Competition Award
While surfing is the main attraction, it’s not the only thing to look forward to. Another highlight of the event is the annual costume contest taking place from noon to 1 pm. You can also expect a fetch-in-water competition for dogs less inclined to surf and a pet wellness fair. Finally, be sure to stop by the mobile adoption area that will run from 9 am to 2 pm.
If dog surfing and costume contests aren’t tempting enough, the beach hosting the surfing championships is also located next to the iconic Taco Bell Cantina, which features a bar and scenic outdoor deck.
The event is free to attend and promises to be a fun way to spend your Saturday. In past years, the dog surfing championship has drawn large crowds, so expect some difficulty finding parking and traffic in the area as you go to and from the beach. If possible, we recommend utilizing public transportation or carpooling to the beach.