Florida Dog Surfing Championships Delayed By Sharks

A Cocoa Beach dog surfing contest was delayed on Easter Sunday after a couple of inquisitive sharks decided to check out the action from the shallows. 

According to Florida Today, ‘After a 30-minute shark timeout, the reigning East Coast Dog Surf Champ, 7-year-old yellow labrador Lilly, went on to dominate the field of eight talented dogs’. Lilly dedicated her win to her shark friend, who wasn’t allowed to watch but was there in spirit. 

Lilly’s opening ride, a straighthander ridden with great panache was enough to get her the W over fellow lab Bolt, who finished second, and pocket-sized chihuahua, Pancake, who took third – competing with an inflatable shark fin. 

Not to be outdone, Pancake would go on to take top honors in the Dog Bikini Contest, after her bikini-patterned T-shirt, aqua sun cap and matching beach Crocs left the judges’ jaws hanging. Nugget, a terrier, won the Buddy Award trophy.

According to Theresa Clifton, event host and executive director of the Brevard Humane Society, it was the first time over the 10-year range of the contest that sharks had interrupted the crowd-pleasing event. 

Lilly was treated to a trophy, pats and some special treats after being such a good girl. 

There were no qualms over the proposed mid-year cut.