Charlie the Surfing Yellow Lab
Meet Charlie, the yellow lab who is so passionate about surfing that he can’t resist running towards the water with his surfboard. Sometimes, his humans have to hide the board just to have a conversation with friends on the beach.
This Saturday, Charlie will be competing in the World Dog Surfing Championships along with 15 to 20 other canine wave riders at Pacifica State Beach, just outside San Francisco.
The event, which attracts thousands of spectators, features dogs of various sizes competing for the top spot. There are heats where dogs surf solo, tandem with other dogs, and even tandem with humans.
Judges evaluate the dogs based on how long they stay on the board, their balance, and any tricks they perform while riding the waves.
Charlie, a 10-year-old, will be participating in the extra-large single surfer heat. He will also be part of “The Dream Team,” riding tandem with two other dogs.
According to his owner, Maria Nieboer, Charlie thrives in the spotlight and loves the attention from the crowd.
When in the water, Charlie and Maria’s husband, Jeff Nieboer, work together to catch waves. Jeff signals to Charlie when a good wave is coming, and Charlie eagerly rides it, even steering towards Maria waiting on shore.
Winners of the contest receive medals and, of course, bragging rights.
Rosie, Charlie’s “Dream Team” teammate, will also be competing in four heats. The 4.5-year-old yellow lab enjoys surfing with her owner, Steve Drottar, in Santa Cruz multiple times a week.
Surfing together creates a unique bond between dogs and their owners, as Drottar explains, “It’s like we actually did something today, right? We did something together as a team.”
After a successful surfing session, Rosie shows her sense of accomplishment by being extra happy and affectionate towards Drottar.
As Drottar describes it, “It’s like we go home on the couch and it feels like she’s saying, ‘Thank you.'”
