Canine kahunas shred the surf to be top dog

By Kristina Davis

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

June 29, 2008

IMPERIAL BEACH – Rolo didn't pay much attention to the throng cheering him on as he sat on the surfboard, waiting for just the right wave.

LAURA EMBRY / Union-Tribune Murphy, owned by Mike Mundt of Kensington, cruised past a phalanx of cameras at yesterday's third annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition. LAURA EMBRY / Union-Tribune TJ, a Spaniel mix, owned by Wendy Slijk of San Carlos, hangs ten as he surfs his way into first place in the small surf dogs division (40 pounds and under) at the Third Annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach on Saturday morning.

When it came, the Pomeranian-sheltie mix stood on all four legs and rode the swell like a pro, relishing the spray of salt water in his face.

“He just loves being out there with me,” said owner Louann Shannon, who had given a little nudge to Rolo's board and then bodysurfed behind the little dog.

About 60 canines, big and small, competed for medals and bragging rights yesterday at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach. Prizes included a pet vacation at the resort and a feature in Modern Dog Magazine.

Dogs from all over the region strutted across the sand wearing everything from swim trunks and Hawaiian leis to sunglasses, life vests and wet suits.

Vendors sold T-shirts with the slogan, “Surf Dogs Rule; Show Dogs Drool.”

The contest, in its third year, drew an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 spectators plus news photographers jockeying for position in the surf.

“It goes to show that dog surfing is part of the San Diego lifestyle,” said Anne Stephany, a spokeswoman for the resort.

“The best thing about this event is that no particular breed seems to do better than others. I've seen poodles, a bulldog, (a) Chihuahua. As long as your dog loves the water, they're a great candidate for this sport.”

Some dogs warmed up before the competition with surf lessons from the Coronado Surf Academy.

Academy owner Teevan McManus said dogs with a lower center of gravity tend to do best.

“The bottom line is surfing is all about balance; dogs have four legs and therefore good balance,” said McManus, who also served as a judge alongside Imperial Beach Mayor Jim Janney.

The dogs were judged on style, confidence and length of time on the wave.

Craig Haverstick competed with his dog, Stanley, for the first time this year, taking third place in the large-dog competition.

“He gets very excited – he jumps right on the board,” Haverstick said while stroking the Chesapeake Bay retriever on the head.

“Even after a wave launches us and we're trying to get back on the board after getting creamed, he jumps right on.”

Not surprisingly, the Team Chandler threesome won first place in the tandem contest for the third year in a row.

Tyler Chandler, 9, along with her professional surfer dad, Scott, and their dog, Zoey, rode the waves on one board. Tyler sat on her father's shoulders while their Jack Russell terrier stood in front.

“She likes water to splash at her,” Scott Chandler said of their Jack Russell terrier, who wore a pink lei around her neck. “She's a water freak.”