California’s love for surfing isn’t just for humans. Your dog can ride the waves too!
Imagine your furry friend paddling alongside you, catching that perfect splash with a wagging tail and endless enthusiasm.
From sandy shores to gentle surf breaks, these special spots welcome pups ready to trade fetch for surfboards.
Whether your dog is a natural water lover or just curious about the ocean, these California beaches offer an unforgettable splash of fun and adventure.
1. Good Kharma Surf Instruction – Huntington Beach, CA
Ryan Rustan’s surf school started with teaching humans, until his Labrador showed unexpected talent on a paddleboard.
Now his specialized canine program helps pups build confidence gradually in shallow water before tackling real waves.
The doggy life vests are adorable, and Ryan’s patience with nervous four-legged students is legendary.
Weekend group sessions often turn into beachside parties where surf dogs and their humans form lasting friendships.
2. Hot Dog on a Leash – Carlsbad, CA
Punny name aside, this family-run operation boasts an impressive 90% success rate getting dogs on boards.
Their signature ‘Paws on Deck’ program starts with beach acclimation before moving to shallow-water balance training.
Founder Melissa takes a holistic approach, considering each dog’s personality and physical abilities.
The beachfront training area features specially designed beginner boards with extra grip padding to help clumsy paws find their footing.
3. Helen Woodward Animal Center – Del Mar, CA
Who knew animal rescue centers offered surf lessons? Their annual Surf Dog program raises funds while teaching pups to hang ten.
Professional instructors volunteer their time, working with dogs of all breeds and sizes. First-timers start on boards in the center’s pool before hitting the beach.
The program culminates in the famous Surf-A-Thon competition where former shelter dogs show off their newly acquired skills while raising money for homeless pets.
4. SoCal Surf Dogs – San Diego, CA
Founded by a group of passionate dog surfers, this club-turned-school offers both private and group lessons.
Their signature ‘Barking Board Basics’ class introduces fundamental skills like board familiarization and weight distribution.
What makes SoCal unique is their community approach. Advanced canine surfers often assist with training newcomers, creating an encouraging environment.
Their monthly ‘Yappy Hour’ surf sessions bring together dogs at all skill levels for practice and playtime.
5. Surf Dog Ricochet – San Diego, CA
Learning from a celebrity has its perks! Ricochet, the world-famous surfing therapy dog, inspired this unique program combining surfing lessons with therapeutic benefits.
Trainer Judy Fridono focuses on building trust between dogs and their humans through shared wave-riding experiences.
Classes often include children with special needs who partner with dogs learning to surf. The joy on everyone’s faces when dog and child successfully ride a wave together makes this program truly special.
6. Big Dog Surf Camp – Marin County, CA
Contrary to the name, this Northern California camp welcomes pups of all sizes! Located on the calmer waters of Stinson Beach, it’s perfect for timid dogs hesitant about waves.
Owner Chris Cahill developed special training techniques after teaching his Saint Bernard to surf. The three-day intensive camps include video analysis of your dog’s form and take-home practice exercises.
Their specialty? Getting large-breed dogs comfortable on custom-sized boards built to support bigger paws.
7. World Dog Surfing Championships – Pacifica, CA
While primarily a competition, this annual event offers pre-contest training sessions for newcomers.
Veteran dog surfers provide demonstrations and one-on-one coaching throughout the weekend before the main event. Professional photographers capture your pup’s progress, making this a perfect vacation activity.
Beyond surfing, participants learn beach safety and proper equipment use. Many first-timers who came just to watch end up enrolling their dogs after seeing the contagious enthusiasm.
8. Surf City Surf Dog – Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach earns its ‘Surf City’ nickname with this premier dog surfing academy. Their comprehensive program categorizes dogs by weight class and temperament, ensuring appropriate training methods for each pup.
Standout feature: underwater GoPro footage showing how your dog’s paws interact with the board! Instructors focus on building core strength through specialized exercises before hitting waves.
The annual September competition attracts international canine competitors who started as nervous beginners.
9. Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition – Imperial Beach, CA
Luxury meets pawsome wave-riding at this upscale resort’s surf program. Their ‘Surf & Stay’ package includes private lessons with professional dog surfing coaches and posh accommodations for you both.
The resort’s shallow-water training area features gentle, predictable waves perfect for beginners.
After lessons, dogs cool down in the pet-friendly pool area. Year-round training prepares pups for the resort’s famous summer competition that draws spectators from around the world.
10. Del Mar Dog Beach – Del Mar, CA
This legendary dog-friendly beach hosts several pop-up surfing clinics throughout summer months.
Look for the colorful ‘Surf Pup Training’ flags where experienced instructors offer drop-in lessons during morning hours when waves are gentlest.
The shallow sandbar creates perfect small breaks for beginner dogs. What makes this spot special is the community of regular dog surfers who informally mentor newcomers.
Many professional dog surfers got their start here, catching their first waves under the guidance of friendly volunteers.