The annual World Dog Surfing Championships held in Pacifica has been saved through donations after high costs almost drive it out of business.
Scheduled to take place in summer, this year it was almost called off after organizers say the spiraling cost of doing business in the Bay Area saw their expenses rise more than 100% in recent years. "Some of the costs are permitting fees. Some of the costs are additional expenses that we are required to do like porta potties, for example. And dumpsters," said A.K. Crump.It's been so successful that Crump says the contest has been saved."Rosie started surfing at about eight months old.
"It's a neat chance for people to see what you can do with a dog. What a dog's capable of. And the bond people have to surf with their dog is really amazing," Drottar said.Each dog competing comes with an entrance fee, all of which support local animal charities."There's a lot of camaraderie. Everybody's supportive. People get in the water and help each other with the dogs. It's a lot of fun," he said.
"A lot of people tell us this is their favorite event of the year. And some people actually arrange their travel plans to the Bay Area to coincide with it, so it means a lot," Crump said.