The school bell has rung, the sun is finally making an appearance, and dogs are wagging their way to the beach because doggie surf class is officially in session. Helen Woodward Animal Center announced the start of Dog Surf Lessons.
The popular canine sur-FUR school is making waves yet again and partnering with SoCal Surf Dogs to get beach-loving pups surf-ready with the potential of paw-ticipating in the Center’s Annual “Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon” on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. Surf dogs in training paddle out for the first class of the summer at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at the Del Mar Dog Beach.
Back again to support Helen Woodward Animal Center and by pup-ular demand, SoCal Surf Dogswill be leading the pack for four days of lessons scheduled throughout July and August. Gigi Hokstad and her assistant, Joanne Esposito, will lead the charge for the SoCal Surf Dog instructors and start with a group land lesson, where each sur-FUR is then paired with an expert instructor and two volunteers as PAW-rents and four-legged students learn surfing fundamentals as well as advanced techniques. Water-loving GroMUTTS of any experience level are invited to try out their skills on the water.
“Surfing is at the core of San Diego culture and what better way to enjoy this fun activity than with your four-legged best friend,” explained Jessica Gercke, PR & Communications Director at Helen Woodward Animal Center. “Beach-loving dogs who can’t wait to get in the water may find surfing the perfect bonding experience with their Paw-rents. While some sur-FURS thrive in the water, other are perfectly content playing on the sand, and that’s great too. What’s most important is having fun and being safe!”
100% of registration sales for Surf Dog Lessons directly support the orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. To maximize safety and fun, there are limited spaces available in each 50 minute-long class and spots fill up quickly. All classes cost $45 with a 20% discount offered off any additional lessons, and include the use of the required canine life-vests and surf board. Surf Dog Lessons Schedule: Classes are held at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on July 14, July 28, August 11 and August 25.
Dogs with tail-wagging enthusiasm for the waves are encouraged to take part in Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 14th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon on Sept. 8, 2019 at Del Mar Dog Beach and show off their skills competing in their respective size category. The annual summer-closer event dog surf competition directly benefits orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
For more information, questions or to register, go to animalcenter.org/dogsurflessons or call (858) 756-4117 x 350. You may also stop by Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6523 Helen Woodward Way, in Rancho Santa Fe.
