This weekend, Huntington Beach’s most important surfing competition took place. Of course, that’s not referring to the 2025 US Open of surfing, but rather The Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regional. The event, which featured dogs competing in a variety of athletic events, including surfing, kicked off its 28th annual edition on Friday.
Though surfing was undoubtedly the main draw, the two-day event is more than just that. Canines entered a variety of events involving surfing, catching and agility. A diving event even featured dogs performing a flying leap off of a 40-foot dock and into a pool. The top-performing animals then qualified to advance to the national championships in St. Louis, Missouri.
Despite the fanciful nature of the event (and the fact that the ‘athletes’ are unaware of what a competition even is), organizers and pet owners go all out for the proceedings. “They are treated like pro athletes,” Amanda Fleck, the owner of a dog who entered the competition, toldKTLA 5. “I mean, we have kind of like a workout schedule to prepare them for this, because if they’re fit, then they’re less likely to have any injuries. And then, he’ll wear a Back on Track coat, which kind of helps with his muscles and gets him ready for tomorrow.”…