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World dog surfing competition: See dogs ride waves in Pacifica

Derby the dog rides a wave at the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica on Saturday. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

Four-legged surfers decked out in sunglasses, lifejackets and colorful hairdos descended on Pacifica Saturday to ride the waves in an international competition that raises money for animal charities.

Hundreds of spectators showed up for the annual World Dog Surfing Competition about 20 minutes south of San Francisco, where canines competed in categories scored for confidence, style and how long they could stay on the board.

Kentucky Gallahue poses with Waffles, left, and Derby, right, for a photo at the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica on Saturday. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
Perennial competitors Kentucky Gallahue and his canine ward Derby sported matching blue 'dos. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
Surfboards decked out with a sticker of one of the surf dogs, Carson, who hails from Long Beach, California. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
Jillian Nicole Smith takes a photo with Carson, one of scores of surf dogs who turned out for the yearly event. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
A smiling Derby returns to the lineup after riding a wave. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
Waffles showed up dressed for lifeguard duty. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
Competitors pose for a group photo between heats. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard
James Wall steps ashore with his surf dog Faith. | Source: Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard