Bring Your Dog to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon — September 13

Cue the theme from every beach movie ever: dogs. On surfboards. Hanging twenty. The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon paddles into Del Mar Dog Beach, California on September 13, 2026, and whether your co-pilot is a wave warrior or a sand-side spectator, it's one of the most joyful dog days on the calendar.

What it is

Now in its 21st year, the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is Helen Woodward Animal Center's famous canine surfing contest at Del Mar Dog Beach (North Beach). Four-legged surfers compete by size class while the crowd cheers from the sand, and it all raises money for orphan pets. It's equal parts competition, comedy, and community — and a genuinely heartwarming way to spend a coastal Saturday.

Why it's a fun outing with a dog

You don't need a surfing dog to have a blast. Del Mar's North Beach is an off-leash-friendly dog stretch, the whole event is built around pups, and the energy is pure California sunshine. If your co-pilot loves sand between the toes (paws?), this is her scene.

Good to know before you go

From our Events Board: “Leashed spectator dogs welcome on the beach; competitors register with the host.” So spectating is easy — keep your dog leashed and settled — and if you want your pup to actually compete, sign up in advance through the host site, where you'll also find the day's heat schedule and details.

Co-pilot's beach-day packing list

• Leash for spectators. Even on a dog beach, a leash keeps things calm around the competition area and big crowds.
• Fresh water — and lots of it. Dogs will try to drink seawater; too much salt water upsets stomachs. Bring plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl and offer it constantly.
• Shade and a rinse. Pack a pop-up or umbrella for downtime, and rinse salt and sand off your pup before the ride home to save the seats and her skin.
• Mind the hot sand and pavement. Midday sand and lot asphalt can burn paws — five-second hand test, and stick to the wet, cool sand when you can.
• High-value treats. Waves, whistles, and a hundred new dogs are a lot of stimulation; a great treat brings your co-pilot's focus right back. Our light, single-ingredient freeze-dried treats travel well and won't melt into a mess in a beach bag.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. Coastal sun still cooks a closed vehicle in minutes. If you need a break from the beach, take your dog with you.

Chasing more good dog days out? The Dog-Friendly Car Events Board keeps a running list of meets, shows, and festivals worth the drive, and the Dog Adventure Plotter helps you map the route, the rest stops, and the best sniff breaks along the coast.

Event details are curated from public listings and can change. Always confirm the date, hours, and current pet and beach rules with the host before you go. Hang loose, stay hydrated, and give that co-pilot a scratch behind the ears from us. — Sniff & Shift