The surf dog competition brings together dog and human surfers at OC – NBC Los Angeles

A group of talented dog surfers caught waves with their human partners in Huntington Beach on Friday as part of the annual Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenges & Surf Dog Competition.

According to Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, senior veterinarian at Nestle’ Purina PetCare, dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds were in action on the first day of the competition.

“A lot of dogs like water,” Lobos said. “They like to have a purpose and something to live for.”

Many of the dog surfers typically learn to enjoy the sport through their human best friends with a surfing background.

Steve Drottar, who calls himself a lifelong surfer, said he had been surfing with his buddy Rosie, a golden Labrador, since she was seven months old.

“Rosie and I surf together about four times a week. It’s great,” Drottar said. “She’s a great noserider. Always at the end of the plate.”

Kentucky Gallahue and his best friend Derby are also regulars at the annual event.

The human surfer said the surfing competition is one of their favorite events, as the pair showed off their matching blue mohawks.

“Derby wants to do everything I do,” Gallahue said.

After Friday’s surfing competition, other canine athletes were scheduled to compete in agility, flying disk and retrieving competitions on Saturday.