Every summer, Galveston’s 27th Street Beach turns into a fun zone for the Ohana Surf Dog Competition. On July 19, 2025, tons of people showed up to watch dogs surf the waves. This was the 12th year of the dog surfing competition, put on by Ohana Surf and Skate to raise money for the Galveston Island Humane Society. Picture dogs of all sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to big Labs, riding surfboards and stealing hearts. Plus, there was a surprise guest—a miniature horse in a lifeguard outfit! It was a day full of laughs, cheers, and wagging tails.
- 1 What Is the Ohana Surf Dog Competition?
- 2 A Pawsome Display of Canine Talent
- 3 Why Galveston’s Dog Surfing Event Stands Out
- 4 Highlights of the 2025 Competition
- 5 The Role of the Galveston Island Humane Society
- 6 How Dogs Learn to Surf
- 7 Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages
- 8 The Growing Popularity of Dog Surfing
- 9 Memorable Moments from Past Competitions
- 10 What Makes the 2025 Event Special?
- 11 Author
What Is the Ohana Surf Dog Competition?
The Ohana Surf Dog Competition is a super fun event where dogs surf waves in Galveston, Texas. It’s been happening for 12 years now, and it’s all about dogs having a blast while helping a good cause. Ohana Surf and Skate teams up with the Galveston Island Humane Society to put it on. Dogs get judged on how well they ride the waves, and the money raised helps animals in need. It’s a win-win for everyone!
- Why it’s special: It’s not just about dog surfing; it supports local shelter pets.
- Who can join: Any dog that loves water and has some training can sign up.
- Cost: Only $25 to enter, and it all goes to the Humane Society.
A Pawsome Display of Canine Talent
Imagine a beach packed with cheering fans as dogs hit the waves. In 2025, the dog surfing competition had dogs like Dobby and Jasper showing off their skills. Some wore cool goggles or funny hats, making everyone smile. Owners swam next to their pups, helping them balance on the boards. It was so exciting to see these dogs surf like pros, and the crowd loved every second of it.
Why Galveston’s Dog Surfing Event Stands Out
Galveston’s dog surfing competition is different because it feels like a big family party. Unlike bigger events like the World Dog Surfing Championships in California, this one’s all about community. People come from all over Texas to watch and join in. Plus, every dollar raised helps the Galveston Island Humane Society take care of animals. It’s a day of fun that makes a real difference.
- Community vibes: Locals and visitors come together for a good time.
- Charity focus: All funds go to helping shelter pets.
- Unique setting: Galveston’s beach is the perfect spot for dog surfing.
Highlights of the 2025 Competition
This year’s dog surfing competition was a blast! Dogs like Migo and Poopie rode waves like champs, while their owners cheered them on. A miniature horse in a lifeguard costume was the surprise star, making everyone laugh. The Galveston Fire Department even set up kiddie pools so the dogs could cool off. It was a sunny, happy day full of furry fun.
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Dogs | Migo, Poopie, and Jasper rocked the waves. |
| Surprise Guest | A miniature horse in a lifeguard outfit stole the show. |
| Fire Department Help | Kiddie pools kept the dogs cool between surfing runs. |
| Crowd Size | Thousands of people showed up to cheer. |
The Role of the Galveston Island Humane Society
The Galveston Island Humane Society is why this dog surfing competition matters so much. The money raised helps pay for food, medical care, and adoptions for shelter animals. Some pets even find new homes right at the event! It’s amazing to see how a fun day of dog surfing can change lives for animals in need.
- What they do: Provide care and find homes for shelter pets.
- How it helps: Funds from the competition support their programs.
- Get involved: You can adopt a pet or donate at the event.
How Dogs Learn to Surf
Teaching a dog to surf takes time and love. Owners start by getting their dogs comfy on a surfboard on land. Then, they move to shallow water to practice balancing. Breeds like Labs and Border Collies are naturals because they love swimming. At the dog surfing competition, you can see all that training pay off as dogs ride waves with their owners cheering them on.
Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages
The dog surfing competition isn’t just for dog lovers—it’s a party for everyone! In 2025, there were food trucks, vendor booths with pet goodies, and fun stuff for kids. People loved watching dogs splash in kiddie pools, looking like little water superstars. Whether you have a pet or not, it’s a great day to hang out at the beach.
- Food and drinks: Food trucks had tasty snacks for everyone.
- Shopping: Vendors sold cool pet stuff like toys and collars.
- Kid-friendly: Activities kept the whole family entertained.
The Growing Popularity of Dog Surfing
Dog surfing is getting big all over the world! There are competitions in California, Australia, and even the UK. But Galveston’s dog surfing competition is special because it’s so welcoming and tied to a good cause. People love watching dogs have fun, and it’s easy to see why this sport is growing fast.
Memorable Moments from Past Competitions
The dog surfing competition has had some awesome moments over the years. In 2021, a cat named August Ray surfed and won a special prize. Dogs like Riptide have been crowd favorites, winning the big dog category multiple times. These stories make the event feel like a big, happy tradition.
| Year | Memorable Moment |
|---|---|
| 2021 | August Ray the surfing cat won a special award. |
| 2022 | Riptide took home the large dog trophy. |
| 2023 | Tinker Bell wowed with her tiny board skills. |
What Makes the 2025 Event Special?
The 2025 dog surfing competition was one for the books. The miniature horse in a lifeguard outfit was a total hit. The kiddie pools from the fire department kept the dogs happy, and the variety of pups—from big to small—made every wave exciting. It was all about fun, community, and helping animals.
