UK dog surfing championship breaks records in Poole bonanza

In a playful twist on traditional sports, dogs and their owners made waves at the 2025 UK Dog Surfing Championship, held at Branksome Dene Beach, Poole, Dorset. Organised by Shaka Surf, this annual “Dog Masters Festival” saw 30+ dog-human tandem teams paddleboarding and surfing in front of 4,000 cheering spectators. The day featured heats, quarterfinals, and a grand finale, complete with live music, fancy dress competitions, and beachside stalls.

This year’s event included multiple Guinness World Record attempts, with one successful record — the fastest 50-meter paddleboard sprint by a human-and-dog team, officially certified on-site. The reigning champions, Max the Springer and owner Danny Taylor, returned to defend their title against stiff competition.

Described by many as “bonkers,” this carefree spectacle brought together canine athletes and proud pet owners for a day of tail-wagging feats, memorable costumes, and heartwarming teamwork. The joyful energy and record-breaking excitement made it a high point of Poole’s summer festival calendar.