By Amanda Hatfield
Staff writer
COCOA BEACH -- Surf's up, dog! No seriously, tell your dog that the waves are firing.
The 49th annual Easter Surf Festival will host the inaugural East Coast Dog Surfing Championship on March 29-30 at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Prequalifying rounds begin at noon on March 29, with finals beginning at noon on March 30.
The inaugural East Coast Dog Surfing Championship contenders include Booker D. Surfdog from Flagstaff, Ariz., Onyx Shorepound from Klamath, Calif., Pippin Yatchdog from Tampa, Moses Rock of Ages from Coral Springs, and Boaz and Koa from Patrick Air Force Base.
"These amazing dogs will entertain and inspire you with their feats of strength, bravery and style as they ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean to see who will be the 'top dog,'" said Eileen Cole, media relations manager for the Central Brevard Humane Society, in a press release.
The four-legged contestants will be judged on set-up, confidence, style, balance, difficulty, tricks and skills, as well as the length of ride and de-boarding.
Judges include Bonnie King from the Space Coast Office of Tourism, Lori Stottler of the Cocoa Beach Pier and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, among others.
The winner of the inaugural East Coast Dog Surfing Championship will receive a $500 cash prize, along with the title of "East Coast Dog Surfing Champion of 2013."
The Central Brevard Humane Society will be at the base of the Cocoa Beach Pier during the two-day event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shelter dogs will be available for adoptions, and merchandise and fun educational information about responsible pet ownership will be provided.
The inaugural East Coast Surfing Dog Championship is March 29-30, during the Easter Surf Festival at the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Qualifying rounds begin at noon on March 29, with finals beginning at noon on March 30.
All proceeds raised will benefit the Central Brevard Humane Society, as they help thousands of abandoned pets find their forever home each year.
For more information, contact the Central Brevard Humane Society at (321) 636-3343 or visit www.crittersavers.com.