Surf Dog Competition Sees New Guinness World Record, Gains National Attention

Chandler broke the following Guinness Records for having the most dogs on one surfboard, having the most dogs surfing on one surfboard with a human, and having the most dogs surfing on one surfboard with more than one human accompanying them.

Scott Chandler, who also makes surfboards, said it was a dream of his to create a board and surf with the dogs. After coming out of the water victoriously, Chandler told reporters that he planned on having about 20 dogs on the board, but some jumped off; that the board he made worked out well; and that the conditions were alright. Most importantly, he said, “all those dogs that were on here just made history.”

Nani, a member of the pack who made surf dog history, is owned by Peter Noll, the founder and president of SoCal Surf Dogs. Peter was out also in the water helping Scott manage the owners and handler. According to Noll, “the real challenge was that with so many dogs on the board, it’s really heavy and trying to get the board moving before the wave comes is the hardest. Scott Chandler did a great job in getting up and stabilizing the board… but, I’m glad it’s done!”

At that point, the Loews Coronado Surf Dog Competition was just beginning; 50 dogs were left to compete.

Throughout the day, canine competitors had 10 minutes to surf and were scored on their two top waves as well as on their confidence level, length of ride and overall ability to “grip it and rip it.” This year’s winners were 1st Place: Abbie Girl, an Australian Kelpie (Small Dog Heat) Ricochet, a Golden Retriever and ASPCA Dog of the Year (Large Dog Heat) and a Chloe, a Jack Russell Terrier owned by Scott Chandler and his daughter Tyler (Tandem).  Abbie Girl and the Chandler family won last year in their respective divisions. Ricochet’s sister, Kalani (owned by Andra Lew) won last year).  

Additionally, this year the surfing event benefited the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the first humane organization established in the country and a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. In past years, local San Diego charities were the beneficiaries of this event. With the ASPCA as the beneficiary, the event is not so local anymore.  . 

Brian Johnson, general manager of Loews Coronado Bay Resort also agrees that the event is not so local anymore, especially since media outlets throughout the world cover the Loews Surf Dog event.

“This is particularly rewarding for the Loews Coronado staff because a variety of our hotel mangers work on their own time to make this event a success each year,” he says.

When asked if he already had ideas for next year, Johnson assured me that it will be “bigger, better and more fun.”

I can’t wait, especially now that my dog surfs!