Groodle Poppy spun circles of delight on her surfboard when she spotted the waves approaching, such was her excitement at riding her longboard with humans Michelle and Luke at the Vetshop Australia Surfing Dog Championship at Noosa last Saturday.
And she wasn’t the only hydro hound to delight the huge crowd that filled Main Beach and every other vantage point to watch the four-legged competitors cruise in or perform a few tricks along the way.
Brilliant sunshine and a nice little wave provided the perfect conditions for the extremely popular event at the Noosa Festival of Surfing.
The lineup included old favourites like rescue dog Spike and owner Robert Lorenzon who travelled for Melbourne for 15-year-old Spike’s final surfing comp alongside also retiring three-time winner, 13-year-old Hugsley, surfing on the day with Paul Jones, last year’s winner, daughter Opal, and brother Huon.
There were some new pups on the block including Isaac, 15, with Bear and thrill-seeking Happy and owner Ranger who made their way from WA for the event.
Longboard champion Dane Wilson was shredding the waves with daughter Rio and Bu the Staffy and well-experienced Agnes Waters dog trainer Chris De-Aboitiz hit the waves with Rama.
“Forget WSL (world surfing league), this is DSL – dog surfing league,” the announcer told the revved up crowd. “It’s absolutely frothing.”
It was tough competition but in the end it was Poppy who took out the top prize for Best Wave, with second award for Best Wipeout going to Chris De-Aboitiz and Rama.
