8th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, 9/8 - presented by Helen Woodward Animal Center and Blue Buffalo!
September 03, 2013 • Trends
Summer may be coming to an end but it wouldn’t be complete without the 8th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, presented by Helen Woodward Animal Center and Blue Buffalo! They invite you to join them Sunday, September 8th, 2013 beginning at 8:00am. PAW-abunga!
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. – With summertime nearing its close, west-coast canines wouldn’t dream of missing the singular event of the beach season – Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 8th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, held at Dog Beach in Del Mar, sponsored by Blue Buffalo. This year, in addition to the “hang twenty” competition, local surFur pups from gromMutts (beginners) to paw-fessionals will unite with their sand-covered, sun-bathing, Frisbee-fetching, beach bum counterparts to celebrate the induction of a brand new Surf Dog Hall of Famer. The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon takes place Sunday, September 8th, 2013 from 8am to 2pm PT and is certain to make some very big waves!
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s canine surf contest is the largest of its kind in the country and will feature more than 80 dogs surfing in four different weight class competitions. Winners are selected based upon their ability to ride the waves, have fun and stay on their boards. Keeping their eyes on the prize, “Top Surf Dog 2013”-hopefuls have attended recent Surf Dog classes with tail-wagging enthusiasm in hopes of grabbing the coveted title, wagging rights at dog beaches and parks, and a Top Fundraiser Grand Prize 4-night, 5-day fishing trip to Mexico. Each surFur heat will be judged by local celebrities, surf pros and aficionados.
The event has a lot to celebrate in its 8th year as supporters are already breaking records this summer thanks to sponsors and individual canine athletes and their families calling “all paws on deck” in an incredible push for participation and fundraising, which to-date has already raised over $68,000.
Currently leading this year’s individual fundraising tallies is last year’s top fundraiser and Surf Dog Extraordinaire, Ricochet and her owner Judy Fridono who are close to passing the $5,000 mark through their SURFice dog program. Fridano explains that Ricochet achieves her “highest surfing paw'tential” by both serving in the role of an assistive aid to persons with disabilities while surfing with them and by helping others while raising awareness and funds for human/animal causes. Asked about her extraordinary efforts surrounding the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, Fridono explained, "Although some see this event as a competition, the animals awaiting their forever homes see us as their last chance at happiness.” She encourages participants to ask family, friends, and co-workers to donate at least a dollar or post a request on Facebook, Twitter or other social media. Supporters of Ricochet can donate to this year’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon fundraiser on “Team Ricochet” at www.surfdogricochet.com or on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet .
There’s still time to register your favorite, four-footed, “paw-some” surfer. Surf Dog Heats cost $35 per registered pup and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded for each weight class with the top winners from each category invited back to surf in a final “Best in Surf” at 12:30pm. Helen Woodward Animal Center invites Southern California dogs to climb “on board.”
For more information on the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon or to register your dog as a surf competitor, visit www.surfdog.kintera.org or call 858-756-4117 x 350. You may also stop by Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe.
