This weekend, Huntington Beach was the stage for a unique and highly anticipated event in the surfing world: the 28th annual Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regional. Unlike the traditional surfing competitions, this event showcased talented canine athletes competing in surfing, agility, diving, and other exciting challenges.
The two-day event, which kicked off on Friday, featured dogs performing a range of athletic feats, including riding waves on surfboards, catching objects mid-air, and executing impressive leaps off a 40-foot dock into a pool. Top performers earned the opportunity to advance to the national championships held later this year in St. Louis, Missouri.
While the canine competitors may not fully grasp the nature of the competition, owners and organizers treat the event with the utmost professionalism. Amanda Fleck, owner of one of the participating dogs, told KTLA 5, “They are treated like pro athletes. We have a workout schedule to prepare them, helping to reduce injury risk. My dog even wears a Back on Track coat to support his muscles and get ready for the competition.”
For those who prefer human surfing competitions, Huntington Beach’s annual US Open of Surfing is scheduled to begin on July 26.
