Join the Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and K9s for Warriors in the sun and sand as our four-legged friends enjoy a friendly surf competition on St Augustine Beach. All friendly dogs and their owners are welcome to compete or join in cheering for the best and brightest! No experience is necessary. Bring your own board or borrow one courtesy of Surf Station. Pawticipants will be able to compete in either the small, medium or large divisions for prizes.
The Basics
The competition will take place on St. Augustine Beach at the Guy Harvey Outpost Resort on Saturday, July 21. Check-in will run from 8:30-9am, and the competition begins at 9am. Registration is $40 per participant, but the event is free for spectators.
Weight Classes and Judges
There are weight divisions for small, medium, and large dogs. Small dogs are 20 lbs. and under; Medium dogs are 21-50lbs; Large dogs are 51 lbs and up. All SUP pawticipants will compete with other dogs in the same weight division. They may be launched by their owners or a handler if they wish. One finalist in each weight division will progress to the finals.
There will be three judges – including Chris Johnson from American Ninja Warriors, and local writer and Guen’s walker, Gary Williams. The judges will score on the biggest wave, longest ride, best style laying down, sitting or standing, best wipeout, and the biggest crowd pleaser.
Water Support Teams
To make sure the judges can see the action and score dogs accordingly, each pawticipant will be allowed a team of two – one handler/launcher and one assistant/catcher. In addition, a volunteer will be available for catching dogs closer to shore. A volunteer will meet you and your pup before each heat; owner/handler will debrief on how to handle the dogs and retrieve the surfboard and re-entry into the waves. Volunteers will assist in catching dogs as they come in.
Equipment
All dogs must wear a life vest while paddling and surfing. This is for the safety of all pawticipants and their team. All dogs, handlers, and designated catchers must wear contest-provided bandanas, so they are visible by judges. Colors are assigned for each comPAWtitor. Leashing dogs to the board is not allowed. Dogs should be under voice command, though leashes can be hooked on the lifejacket used to catch dogs from running once on-shore. No choke chains, prong/pinch or rope collars allowed while surfing.
To register your pup for the contest and to find out more information, visit www.guyharveyoutpost.com/lodging/beach-resorts/st-augustine-beach/pups-sups. Learn more about K9s for Warriors by visiting www.k9sforwarriors.org.
Find more events in St. Augustine by visiting our online calendar of events!