A Day of Waves and Wags at the Ohana Surf Dog Competition
The beach was alive with energy as dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds took to the water for the 12th annual Ohana Surf Dog Competition. Hosted by the Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS) at 27th Street Beach, the event drew hundreds of spectators who gathered on the sand to watch the canine athletes show off their skills, courage, and occasional confusion. Some dogs rode waves with confidence, while others barked at the sea or waddled back to shore with a calm, Zen-like focus. A few even chose to bail out early, opting to paddle in on their own terms.
This year’s competition saw a record number of participants, with 35 dogs competing—the largest field in the event’s history. The usual cap of 30 competitors was exceeded, and all spots were filled by Wednesday. “It gets bigger and bigger every year,” said Angel Wall, chair of the event and board member of GIHS. “This is the biggest year so far. I think it’s one of the best events the island has.”
The dogs were judged on wave performance, balance, and overall vibe. Judges looked at how long the dogs stayed on the board, where they positioned themselves, and whether they showed any signs of excitement or confidence. “If they do a little walk or a 360 on the board, that’s a good point,” said Judge Valerie Johnson, who previously competed with her chihuahua, Tinkerbell. “And their attitude. The longer they stay on, the better.”
Some dogs adapted quickly to the water, while others needed more time to get comfortable. “Some of these dogs have never done this in their life, and they’re in for a shock,” Johnson said. “That’s what’s funny because we end up laughing our butts off.” Some dogs would bail off the board, while others would go down the beach, chased by volunteers and owners. Most dogs wore life vests with a hook that connected to the board leash to keep them safe.
One of the standout competitors was Lassen, a border collie-poodle mix and returning champion. His owner, Amanda Radtke, said his love for staying on the board, rather than just playing in the surf, sets him apart. “I paddle board with him a lot,” she said. “Most dogs want to swim in the water, but he likes to stay on the board.”
Another competitor, Victoria Frederick’s border collie Knievel, had his first surfing competition. With a background in agility training, Knievel was already used to balance work at home. He practiced on a wobble board, which helped translate to surfing. “I figured a surfboard is almost like that, and it’s gonna move sort of like that,” Frederick said. To ease him into the motion, she set her surfboard on a wagon and rolled it around with Knievel standing on top.
Rescue groups also participated in the event, bringing attention to animal welfare. Three Little Pitties Dog Rescue brought Fifi, a bulldog dressed like a scuba diver, to the competition. It was her first time surfing, and she was available for adoption. “She was adopted out by the BARC Animal Shelter, and when she had gotten away from her owner and was found, the owner didn’t reclaim her from us,” said Alayna Goodson, the group’s director. “We wanted to come out and bring an ambassador for the breed and show our support of the shelter.”
Goodson, who regularly sees cases of animal neglect and cruelty, said events like this help balance the hard part of rescue work. “As I’m walking around, my heart is full,” she said. “People come here who adore their dogs. They dress them up, bring them surfing, and treat their pets like family members. It brings animal lovers together who want to do something special for their animals.”
The event not only celebrated the bond between dogs and their owners but also highlighted the importance of animal welfare and community engagement. With each passing year, the Ohana Surf Dog Competition continues to grow, drawing more participants and supporters who share a passion for dogs and the ocean.
