The rain last Saturday did little to dampen the enthusiasm from the crowd that covered Noosa Main Beach and spread into the shallow waters for some close up action of the clever pooches and their humans putting on a terrific show at the 2024 VetShopAustralia Surfing Dog Championships.
There was tough competition but it the blue English staffy, Bu, with her human Dane and Bu’s aerial antics that clinched the championship this year.
The event, a highlight of the Noosa Festival of Surfing, featured about a dozen teams of talented dogs and their humans competing for the prestigious Best Wave Award.
This year’s competition showcased a mix of veteran champions and promising newcomers.
Alongside the winning Team Bu were some notable participants including last year’s champion Poppy the Groodle, Banjo the Kelpie, known for his big wave action with owner Chris Oakley and Team Bear with 16-year-old owner Isaac.
Newcomers included Rodrigo and Loui the Border Collie from Byron Bay who were keen to show off their surfing skills and Brian with his dog Zoe from the Gold Coast who is known for taking his dogs around the local beaches on skateboards.
Dr Mark Perissinotto, the lead veterinarian at VetShopAustralia, event sponsors, said it was an unforgettable experience for attendees, where the spirit of canine companionship and the thrill of surfing come together in a spectacular display.
