By Laylan Connelly | lconnelly@scng.com | Orange County Register
UPDATED:
- As a photographer looks on, Petey, owned by Kay DeLoach of Huntington Beach, rides his board during the finals of the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
![Bentley, owned by Scott and Joanne Owen of Temecula, takes...]()
Bentley, owned by Scott and Joanne Owen of Temecula, takes a backward position on his surfboard during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Koa, left, a cancer survivor, looks up at owner Kristina...]()
Koa, left, a cancer survivor, looks up at owner Kristina Welsh of Carlsbad, as she throws her arms into the air after it was announced that Koa won first place in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. This was the second year in a row that Koa has won the competition. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Iza, owned by David Fasoli of Santa Cruz, takes a...]()
Iza, owned by David Fasoli of Santa Cruz, takes a break on to the beach after surfing in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. Charley finished in second place. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Kim Pham, right, of Gardena, covers her eyes as Lil...]()
Kim Pham, right, of Gardena, covers her eyes as Lil Man gets upended off his surfboard during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![James Wall of San Diego, gets some love from Faith...]()
James Wall of San Diego, gets some love from Faith just prior to the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Charley, owned by Jeffrey Nieboer of San Diego, brings his...]()
Charley, owned by Jeffrey Nieboer of San Diego, brings his own board back on to the beach after surfing in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. Charley finished in second place. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Carson, owned by Jill Nakano of Long Beach, jumps off...]()
Carson, owned by Jill Nakano of Long Beach, jumps off his board during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Dan Nykolayko, left, of Costa Mesa, and his dog, Rocket,...]()
Dan Nykolayko, left, of Costa Mesa, and his dog, Rocket, pose for photos with the State Parks Rescue Lifeguards prior to the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![James Wall of San Diego, carries Faith out of the...]()
James Wall of San Diego, carries Faith out of the water following their heat in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Rippin Rosie, owned by Steve Drottar of Santa Cruz, jumps...]()
Rippin Rosie, owned by Steve Drottar of Santa Cruz, jumps off the surfboard during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. Charley finished in second place. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Surfboards wait on the beach as dogs compete in the...]()
Surfboards wait on the beach as dogs compete in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Faith, owned by James Wall of San Diego, is ready...]()
Faith, owned by James Wall of San Diego, is ready for the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Charley, owned by Jeffrey Nieboer of San Diego, checks out...]()
Charley, owned by Jeffrey Nieboer of San Diego, checks out the camera as he rides by on his surfboard during the finals of the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. Charley finished in second place. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Carson, left, owned by Jill Nakano of Long Beach, tries...]()
Carson, left, owned by Jill Nakano of Long Beach, tries to stay on his board as a State Parks Rescue Lifeguard looks on during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Dog surfing fans stand on the beach as dogs compete...]()
Dog surfing fans stand on the beach as dogs compete in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Koa, a cancer survivor, owned Kristina Welsh of Carlsbad, rides...]()
Koa, a cancer survivor, owned Kristina Welsh of Carlsbad, rides a wave in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. This was the second year in a row that Koa has won the competition. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Bailey, owned by Scott and Joanne Owen of Temecula, jumps...]()
Bailey, owned by Scott and Joanne Owen of Temecula, jumps off his surfboard near the shore during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![A dog surfing fan watches the action from the beach...]()
A dog surfing fan watches the action from the beach as dogs compete in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Petey, owned by Kay DeLoach of Huntington Beach, rides his...]()
Petey, owned by Kay DeLoach of Huntington Beach, rides his board during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Dog surfing fans stand on the beach as dogs compete...]()
Dog surfing fans stand on the beach as dogs compete in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Dan Nykolayko, left, of Costa Mesa, looks on as, Rocket,...]()
Dan Nykolayko, left, of Costa Mesa, looks on as, Rocket, jumps off his surfboard during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![As State Parks Rescue Lifeguards look on, Carson, left, owned...]()
As State Parks Rescue Lifeguards look on, Carson, left, owned by Jill Nakano of Long Beach and Petey, right, owned by Kay DeLoach of Huntington Beach, ride their boards during the finals of the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. Petey won the small dog competition. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Faith, owned by James Wall of San Diego, takes a...]()
Faith, owned by James Wall of San Diego, takes a tumble of the surfboard during the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![Charley, owned by Jeffrey Nieboer of San Diego, brings his...]()
Charley, owned by Jeffrey Nieboer of San Diego, brings his own board back on to the beach after surfing in the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. Charley finished in second place. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)![A sign at the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach...]()
A sign at the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
1 of 26
As a photographer looks on, Petey, owned by Kay DeLoach of Huntington Beach, rides his board during the finals of the Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach State in Huntington Beach on Friday, June 20, 2025. It was part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals. Other competitions include: high-flying disc routine, weave pole racing, agility courses, and dog diving. The competition continues through Saturday. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
ExpandThese pups had no trouble navigating the ruff waters.
K-9 wave riders came ready to shred at the annual Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals Competition, now in its 28th year. The competition brought surfing dogs to Huntington State Beach on Friday, June 19, for the first of a two-day challenge that put the pups to the test.
The action kicked off with the dogs balancing on boards in the surf, followed by agility and freestyle flying disc competitions. Volunteers stood near the shoreline to catch the dogs and their boards as they made their way toward the beach.
One of the big draws happens on Saturday during the dog diving contest, where the pooches take a running leap off a 50-foot dock into a 20,000-gallon pool of water, as well as other agility and flying disc competitions.
The event is a qualifier for the top dogs to earn a trip to the national finals in St. Louis, Missouri. The event, located between Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street, is free for the public to watch. The day starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and the final competition is at 2:30. For more information, visit IncredibleDogChallenge.com.
Originally Published:
