Did you know that dogs can learn to surf? While some pups may be content to paddle in the shallows, those with a taste for the extreme won’t be satisfied until they’re carving the waves for themselves. But before you invest in matching boards, we suggest you teach Fido how to sit, stay and hang ten at one of these radical dog surfing schools.
Dog Surfing 101: Surf Schools That Teach Fido to Hang Ten
Posted by Billy Francis
Good Kharma Surf Instruction
"And to think, yesterday I was playing fetch."
Photo by
Facebook.com/Goodkharmasurf
Huntington Beach, known as "Surf City USA" and considered one of the best dog beaches on the West Coast, is a fitting home for Good Kharma Surf Instruction. The school combines dog training and surfing to improve your dog’s obedience while also getting him ready to surf. Lessons focus on increasing your pup’s balance and strength by starting on land, then progressing to the shallows, and finally riding the waves for real. Human surfers should bring dog treats to reward their hard-working pups for not wiping out.
Owner Jill Nakano is a National Surf Schools and Instructors Association certified instructor. Her aim is to get students up on their boards and riding a wave within a half hour of their first lesson. You may be joined on the water by Kihei (key-hay), Jill’s Chihuahua mix, a multiple surf competition champion who can show your furry friend how it’s done.
Good Kharma is located on Huntington Beach, CA. Lessons are $75 per hour, which includes use of a board and a canine life vest.
Salty Dog Paddle
Helping dogs surf and feel good since 1977.
Photo by
Facebook.com/saltydogpaddle
Salty Dog Paddle teaches dogs and their owners to ride the waves at several beaches in South Florida. Founded in 1977, the company uses Florida longboards to help dogs overcome their fear of the water. When the instructors realized that dogs preferred surfing closer to the shore, they began teaching them in the shallows rather than farther out at sea. Canine swimming lessons are included, with doggy lifejackets on hand for your not-so-buoyant good boy. In addition to helping dogs gain confidence and have fun on the water, the company finds homes for thousands of animals and donates to dogs in need of emergency medical care.
Salty Dog Paddle offers lessons in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Their Palm Beach office is located at 401 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL. Classes cost $99 per person for two hours. Dogs surf for free.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Every student needs positive reinforcement.
Photo by
Helen Woodward Animal Center
The Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts an annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in North Beach (also known as Dog Beach) in Del Mar, San Diego. In the run-up to the event, dogs and their owners can take part in beginner lessons with an expert surfer who will teach your dog how to get on a board, stand up and ride solo. Classes are small (and fill up fast), allowing special care to be given to each four-legged student.
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Lessons take place at Dog Beach in Del Mar, CA on July 14, July 28, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25, 2019. The fee is $45 per class and includes use of a dog life vest and soft-top foam board, on-land instruction and private lessons in the water.