Get ready to catch some waves with man’s best friend.
The second annual Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic returns to Jupiter’s Carlin Park on Saturday, Aug. 27, and crowds can expect to see about 25 dogs showing off their skills on the water.
Hosted by no-kill shelter Furry Friends, the fundraiser will feature surfing competitions, dog agility shows, food trucks, raffles and live music. There will also be vendors on site selling dog treats, handmade jewelry, yoga items, boutique clothing and more.
After seeing a turnout of nearly 2,000 last year, Furry Friends Program Director Karen Counts said she’s excited to welcome even more locals to witness the fun. After all, it’s not every day you see dogs competing for prizes based on their surf-savvy techniques.
“When the waves are good, it’s just really impressive to see dogs hang on the boards and do a complete ride to the shore,” Counts said. “For the more seasoned dogs, they just make it look like it’s the easiest thing on earth for them to do.”
Most of the pups aren’t winging it out on the water, either. Many have been sharpening their skills with surf lessons in the weeks leading up to the event.
Dog surfing instructor Sam Chiet says safety is always a top priority—all his canine students are always secured into life vests—but other than that, it’s all about enjoying the moment.
“A champion surf dog will be one that just lies there and has the most fun,” Chiet said, laughing.
Hang 20 attendees looking to expand their families can also meet dogs that are up for adoption, including Good Boy (a Jack Russell) and Buddy (a Boston terrier mix), who will be demonstrating their surfing prowess during the event.
“[W]e hope people will see how super they both are and will take them home,” Counts said.
The schedule for the 2016 Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic is as follows:
Beach Registration: 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Small Dog Surf Heats: 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Medium Dog Surf Heats: 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Large Dog Surf Heats: 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
SUP Dog Surf Heats: 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Awards Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Introduction of Adoptable Furry Friends: 10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Purina Dog Performance Show: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Live Music (Brett Staska) & Shopping: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Purina Dog Performance Show II – 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Live Music (Bryce Allyn) & Shopping: 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Purina Dog Performance Show III – 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Photos courtesy David Scarola)
Facebook Comments