Here in Jupiter, we love our beaches. We love our surf bums. And we love our dogs.
When you combine those three loves together, you get the Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic, a fundraiser for our local, no-kill animal shelter and clinic, Furry Friends. On Saturday, August 27, 2016, shredding canines from across Florida came to Jupiter to compete for the top title in their weight group as our community came together to support animals in need of homes. It was a day of fun for dog lovers of all ages with food, live music, a dog agility show, vendors, and activities for the kiddies. And, of course, lots of surfing pups.
Meet my buddy Waldo.
Waldo was rescued by JUP Mama’s friends, Susie and Mike Leverette, from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control when he was four months old. Since then, he has impressed the state of Florida with his skills on a surf board. Now, at the ripe old age of seven, Waldo competes two times per year at both the Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic and the Cocoa Beach Easter Surf Festival. Want to know how Waldo learned to surf? Check out my post from last year’s competition here.
This was my first time bringing my “big girl” camera (my Canon EOS Rebel T5) to a sporting event to take blog photos and I had quite the time trying to get my lens to un-fog when we got to the beach. Apparently, car air conditioning and beach humidity don’t mix. Once I was back in action, I managed to get some photos of the small dog surf heat. Boy, is it impressive to watch these tiny dogs catch some waves!
Waldo is a pretty special surf dog because he is able to ride his board without the help of a human. His owner, Mike, helps him paddle out, turn his custom 7-foot mahogany and cypress board around, and give him a gentle push back to shore.
If you’re ever having a bad day and need some cheering up, I highly recommend watching this video of Waldo captured by the GoPro attached to his surf board. It is certain to make you smile.
Hang 20 Waldo!
xo,
JUP Girl
P.S.
JUP Girl 
Oh my goodness, I never knew dogs to surf! These photos are so cute and fun, you made my day 😊😘
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Thanks Suvi! Yes, it seems to be a thing here in the USA, particularly California, that dogs compete surfing. If you ever wanted to look up other surfing dogs, there is Abbie Surfs (who holds the Guinness World Record) and Faith, a surfing pitbull!
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Hey Waldo. You rock. Arrf! I am also a TT. I don’t surf (don’t like water) but I do write blogs! Check me out at
TheSarasotaSalt.com
Great photos and your human is the best,
Hugs,
Karma
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Thanks for the comment and I will definitely wander over to The Sarasota Salt!
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