Yesterday took place the first surfing dog competition in France, in Vieux Boucau, in the Landes. This strange competition called, " The Dog and the Ocean was created on the initiative of two veterinarians from the Biarritz region, creators of the association "The Biarritz Veterinary Association" Les Toutous Surfeurs . The idea came to them from customers who used to surf with their dogs, but also from a customer, Guillaume Barucq, who pushed them to organize this competition. Indeed, in California, Surf City Surf Dog The "Meeting of the Parties" program, launched in 2009, has been organizing meetings every two years since 2011.
Allowing your dog to have fun while surfing
The principle of the association is based on the idea of making the dogs practice surfing, in complete safety so that they can have fun but also to share an activity with their dog while emphasizing the master/dog link. This activity is above all created for the dog and not for his master. Gatherings of surfing dogs, competitions and initiations, in collaboration with canine educators and surfing instructors are organized.
To participate, you don't have to be a surf pro! Novice or connoisseur, the dog must first have the validation of the veterinary examination carried out on the spot. On the other hand, no height, weight or breed limit is imposed. For dogs that have never surfed before, an initiation was planned but nothing prevented the owners from starting their training beforehand.
Finally, the competition took place in tandem with the master or alone on the board.
Rules to be respected to have your dog surfing
As the association reminds us, one should not force one's dog to surf. Even if it's a lot of fun to see your four-legged friend on a surfboard, think about him and how he feels first. It's essential that your dog can swim properly and that he's comfortable in the sea and the waves.
Equipped with a lifejacket and an adapted surfboard, most often made of foam, he can then join the waves, accompanied by a dog instructor if it is the first time. He will then teach him how to get on the board and take the waves. All of this will be done with you since it is also a way to do an activity with two people. In terms of equipment, your dog can also be equipped with a leash and collar (leash) that is water-resistant or specially designed for surfing dogs. And of course, don't forget to give him a drink, especially in hot weather.
A competition... in the nick of time
Even if the idea of this competition was above all to share a moment of pleasure with your dog, rewards were on the program to reward the dog who lasted the longest in a wave, the dog who had the most confidence, the one who had the most style etc. And there were prizes to be won such as kibbles, waterproof games (Frisbee, balls...).
I'll leave you with a video of the California competition.
