Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition

May 22, 2010

Dunes Park/Beach 700 Seacoast Drive Imperial Beach, CA 91932

This popular competition is an extension of Loews Loves Pets program at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. The Coronado Island surf competition was founded in 1995 and has grown to become one of the most popular media events as well as dog events. While the photos make the surfing looking fantastic, the reality is that the waves generally are fairly mild just off shore and getting the dogs to ride the board doesn't always come natural.  Many jokes abound about hanging 10 (20), putting your toes to the nose, and other such doggy humor. The event is a blast to watch, though the surfing certainly isn't on the caliber of the world class surfing events that California hosts annually.

This year’s event will benefit the San Diego Police Department Canine Unit through the San Diego Police Foundation.

Hotel Accommodations

San Diego ranks as THE most dog friendly destination in California with more dog friendly hotels than any other place with approx. 44 dog-friendly hotels!  San Diego's Ocean Beach is one of the most dog friendly beaches in all of Southern California, as well.

Schedule:

10 to 10:30 a.m. Practice sessions by San Diego’s premier surfing school, Coronado Surfing Academy

11 a.m. Event Begins Heat One: Small Surf Dogs (40 pounds and under) Heat Two: Large Surf Dogs (41 pounds and over) Heat Three: Tandem Surfing (dogs and humans)

1 or 2 p.m. Awards Ceremony Judging Process: Each dog/team will have 10 minutes to catch their top two waves, and will be scored on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability to “grip it and rip it.” The Coronado Surfing Academy will provide surf boards and assistance during the competition. Prizes: If your dog’s a surfing champion, you’ll score a ton of great prizes, including the ultimate pet vacation at Loews Coronado Bay Resort … and endless bragging rights. Competition Fees: $50 for Divisions One or Two, $55 for Division Three (if registered by May 20). Fees also include a competition medal and a great goody bag filled with treats. All proceeds will benefit the resort’s non-profit partner. General admission is free. Registration: Please click here to register online. If you have any additional questions, please call 619-424-4416.

Emcee John Weisbarth: An Emmy-winning sports anchor and reporter for Channel 4 San Diego, John Weisbarth brings his high energy and award-winning style to this year’s event. Weisbarth joined Channel 4 San Diego in 2000 as a reporter for UT High School Sports, which earned him an Emmy nomination. Since then, his credits have included the Padres Pre and Postgame shows, and Channel 4's nightly sports wrap show, "Postgame." In 2002, Weisbarth was honored with an Emmy Award for his feature "Bowling with Johnny Midnight," and then again in 2004 for his feature on Blake Higgs. A San Diego native, Weisbarth attended Coronado High School.

California Dog Beaches are numerous, and dog contests  are a blast.