Can it be practised in Romania?
In its classic form, hardly at all, because we don't get the right waves. You can still practise balance on the board on flat water, on a lake, as a coordination game.
Water sports
Surf Dog
The dog stands on the board and rides the wave, on its own or with you. Judges score how long it stays on, how well it handles the board and its style. You won't find more laid-back competitions anywhere in dog sport.
About the discipline
What Surf Dog is
Surf dog started out in California and is still, at heart, a beach sport. The dog stands on a surfboard and rides small waves, wearing a life jacket from start to finish.
Competitions score time on the board, control, wave size and style. There are tandem categories too, where you and the dog share one board.
It's more of a fun day out than a performance sport. In Romania, with the waves we get, the classic form is close to impossible to practise.
How it works in practice
How it is taught
- getting used to the board on land, then in shallow water
- balancing on the board while the handler holds it steady
- small first waves, with the board pushed by hand
- a life jacket on the dog the whole time
- short sessions with lots of breaks
- stopping straight away at any sign of stress
Which dogs it suits
- dogs that love water and swim well
- dogs with good balance and a calm temperament
- teams living by an ocean with small waves
No life jacket, no water. A wave you didn't see coming can flip the board at any moment.
What you need
- a surfboard with a non-slip surface
- a life jacket for the dog
- fresh water to rinse the dog off afterwards
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Surf Dog
Is it safe?
Yes, as long as the dog wears a life jacket, the waves are small and you keep your eyes on it the whole time. Without a jacket, no. Any dog can get swept off by a wave.
How do I know if my dog enjoys it?
A dog that's having fun climbs onto the board by itself and stays put. If it jumps off, stiffens up or steers clear of the water, this isn't its thing, and you don't push it.
From the same category
Related sports
Stand-up Paddle with your dog
Paddleboarding with your dog, just for fun or in races.
Water Agility
A course of hoops and floating obstacles that the dog swims instead of runs.
Water Rescue
The dog rescues people from water and tows people or objects.
Water Work
Retrieving, towing and other work exercises in water.
We do not run Surf Dog
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.