Catching Waves and Wags: Recapping the Surf Dog Experience at Carolina Beach
This past Saturday was nothing short of spectacular at the Carolina Beach Pier, where the Surf Dog Experience took center stage, delighting spectators and participants alike. Produced by Ocean Events, LLC, this event not only brought the community together but also supported a noble cause, with 100% of the $40 registration fee going directly to Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue NC. To date, Ocean Events USA has impressively raised $5,784 for the rescue.
The Surf Dog Experience is a three-hour surfing event, timed meticulously with the tides, featuring a team comprising Ocean Rescue professionals, pro surfers, and top-notch surfing instructors. This thrilling competition occurs twice a year, just before Memorial Day and Labor Day.
This year, I finally marked my calendar for the August event and hit the road with my friend Jackie and her 8-year-old Schnauzer, Max, who has recently taken up surfing. With a new pair of goggles to protect his eyes from the salt and sand, Max was ready to take on the waves. The journey to the beach was a fun-filled road trip with Jackie, Max, and Jackie’s daughter Mallory.
Jackie, Max, and Mallory before getting in the water.
At the event, while some larger dogs braved the waves solo, pushed in by their owners, Max preferred the close company of his human sister Mallory. Their teamwork paid off beautifully as they snagged the 3rd place trophy in the competition. The overcast weather and slightly rough waves added to the excitement, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic onlookers, many accompanied by their own dogs.
It wasn't just about the surf; the event was a social gathering, allowing me to connect with fellow dog enthusiasts and even meet two other dog photographers from Wilmington.
The Surf Dog Experience is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of the spirit of adventure shared by dogs and their owners. And for those who prefer wheels over waves, the organization also hosts a skateboarding event in the spring!
Overall, it was an unforgettable day filled with joy, community spirit, and plenty of photo opportunities — so many that I admittedly took way too many pictures. I’m already looking forward to the next event and another chance to capture these incredible moments.
For more information about the Surf Dog Experience and how you can participate or support, check out these links:
Fun gif of one of the surfers and a pup jumping off the board. The dog jumped first and the surfer was going to go backward and he saved it with the backflip.