Dozens of four-legged surfers and their human companions hit the beach in northern Spain over the weekend for a surfing competition with a difference: the annual European dog surfing championship.

Baloo and Ghost, a pair of Weimaraners, confidently shredded the waves with their owner, 13-time Spanish bodysurf champion Deva Martin Solar.

“The more the dog goes into the water… the more fun it has,” she said. “If you love surfing and creating that link with the dog, the truth is that it’s very nice.”

Chocolate-coloured Labrador Koa and her owner Juan Manuel Santiago were crowned the winners of the third annual championship, held at the La Concha beach of Suances, in the coastal region of Cantabria.

Veronica Lombrana brought her Schnauzer Kai surfing for the first time. They had a small scare after being dumped into the water while riding a wave. Lombrana said it was fun anyway. Kai had no comment.

Manuel Calvo, from pet food company Dingonatura, organisers of the event, said the event has a serious aim promoting dog adoptions and discouraging pet abandonment by showing off a fun way to bond with your pooch.

(Reuters)