Surfing dogs hit the waves

A new Guinness world record of 17 dogs surfing on one board has been set in California.

The successful record bid was staged at the annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition at San Diego.

The event drew in hundreds of local citizens as well as more than 50 dog surfers from across the US.

The competition has become one of the most unique events in Southern California, sparking a growing movement for dog surfing across the globe.

Dogs compete in ten minute heats and are scored on their best two waves. The heats are subdivided into three categories - small dogs, large dogs and tandem dogs.

Judges look for confidence in the four legged surfers as well as a long wave ride and a good sense of fashion.

"So what we're looking for could be length of ride, maybe that little bit of extra flair that a dog has, from the way they're dressed up to, maybe some sunglasses, whatever it might be, and then we're always looking for something that stands out," says Teevan McManus, owner of Coronado Surfing Academy and a judge at the competition.

This year's first place winners under the small dog category were returning champs Michael Uy and his Australian Kelpie, Abbie Girl.

"You know actually this year I was injured so, a little bit of an underdog coming in but we do this because we love surfing together in the water. So, it's kind of amazing how all of this has come about, we are very honoured," said Mr Uy.