Bring Your Dog to the World Dog Surfing Championships — August 1

Every co-pilot deserves a bucket-list day, and this one is pure salt air and wagging tails. On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the World Dog Surfing Championships return to Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica State Beach) in Pacifica, California — ten years running and still hanging twenty. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, surf dogs from around the world hit the waves for competition heats, there's a doggie fashion show, and plenty of beachside fun for spectators and their pups.

Here at Sniff & Shift we're a family-owned, car-culture crew from Malvern, PA (Ella, our four-legged co-pilot, approves this message), and while our home turf is Chester County cars & coffee, we love a great dog outing wherever the road leads. A beach full of surfing dogs? That's a road trip worth plotting.

What the day looks like

The championships are equal parts athletic competition and joyful spectacle. You'll see experienced surf dogs paddle out and ride waves in timed heats, judged on distance, confidence, and style. Between heats there's a canine fashion show and a festival atmosphere along the sand. If your own pup is more of a sunbather than a surfer, that's perfectly fine — this is a spectator-friendly event, and simply soaking up the scene with a happy dog at your side is the whole point.

One important note from the event's own details: spectator dogs must be leashed on the beach, and competitors register in advance. So if you're dreaming of your dog catching a wave this year, plan ahead — but you can always show up to cheer, scout the vibe, and aim for next season.

Why it's a great outing with a dog

Beach events are some of the best low-pressure adventures for dogs. There's room to move, endless smells, and a crowd of people who genuinely love dogs. The energy is friendly and unhurried, and few things bond a co-pilot and their human like a morning of ocean air.

Practical tips for a smooth, safe day

Pacifica mornings can start cool and foggy, then warm up fast — plan for both. A few things we never skip:

• Leash up. Keep your dog leashed as the event requires, and use a standard leash so you have real control in a busy crowd.
• Bring water and shade. Pack fresh water and a bowl, and set up a pop-up shade or umbrella so your pup has a cool spot to retreat to between adventures.
• Mind hot sand and pavement. Midday sand and parking-lot asphalt can burn paws — do the five-second back-of-the-hand test, and stick to the damp, cooler sand near the water.
• Never leave a dog in a parked car. Even on a mild coastal day, a closed car heats up dangerously fast. If your dog can't come out with you, leave them home.
• Pack high-value treats. A busy beach with other dogs is a lot of stimulation, so reward-based focus goes a long way. Our freeze-dried dog treats are single-ingredient, mess-free, and perfect for tucking in a pocket or glovebox for exactly these moments.

Before you go

Details can change, so confirm the schedule, parking, and dog policy with the host before attending — the event is organized by the World Dog Surfing Championships (TasteTV) at surfdogchampionships.com. You can also see the full listing on our Events Board event page.

Hunting for more dog-friendly car meets, festivals, and adventures? Browse the full Dog-Friendly Car Events Board, and map your route with the Dog Adventure Plotter so every stop — pit, patio, and pup break — is planned before you turn the key. Now go make some waves. 🐾