St. Augustine’s Guy Harvey Resort Sponsors a Pups and Sups Dog Surfing Event for K9s For Warriors
ByLucia Viti
Sups and Pups Dog Surfing Contest (Lucia Viti)
(Lucia Viti)
ByLucia Viti
St. Augustine — Beach goers enjoyed the excitement of dogs in costumes and dogs on surfboards last Friday and Saturday at the Guy Harvey Resort in St. Augustine.
Dogs, their owners and a captivated audience enjoyed a beautiful sunny day with cool consistent winds as Hurricane Sam rolled by the island’s perimeter.
The dog-friendly weekend also served to raise money for K9s For Warriors, a Nocatee-based organization that provides trained service dogs to Wounded Warriors.
The weekend began on Friday with Super Corgi Jojo teaching doggies - and their owners - how to surf. The Orlando-based pooch is truly a pro.
Saturday’s “Sur-Fur” Hang 20 competition featured dogs in weight divisions/heats - large dogs (51lbs. + pounds); medium dogs (21lbs - 50 lbs) and small dogs (20lbs. and under).Two “PAW-ticipants” team members (handlers) were allowed per dog. Doggie flotation devices were required and first time Sur-Furs were welcomed.
While cool winds and a rough surf challenged those on two and four-legs, it didn’t deter or distract anyone or dog from competing. Several Sur-Furs made it to the shore while others paddled, waddled and coasted back to their handlers to try, try and try again.
But not all was lost for every dog won a prize. Categories included Best Sur-fur, Longest ride, Best Trick on Board, Best WipeOut, Most Photogenic, and Crowd Favorite.
The annual event, now n its third year, was a true crowd please for all those in attendance.
“Everyone had a great time,” said Kevin Denell, Guy Harvey Resort’s Program Director. “We had a number of return dogs - including one from San Diego and one from South Florida. And of course, all while spreading awareness for K9s For Warriors.”
The event promises to return next year with an even bigger playing field.
“There’s nothing better than being on the beach with your dog,” concluded. Denell.
Lucia Viti is a seasoned journalist, photojournalist, and published author and works as a reporter for WOKV News. Lucia is a graduate of the University of West Virginia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism.
Sign Up
