THE UK’S only Dog Surfing Championships held on the beach is to return to the BCP area this year with its third and biggest event yet.

Dogmasters, run by Shaka Surf on Branksome Dene Chine beach, will take place on Sunday July 25 having been cancelled last year due to the ongoing pandemic.

The event brings together lovers of dogs and the sea for a fun-packed day of surfing and paddle-boarding competitions, as well as live music and a selection of food, drink, local business and charity stalls.

Mark Reeves, owner of Shaka Surf Branksome and Dogmasters, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Dogmasters event, which is going to be bigger and better than it’s ever been before.

“Dogs, dog owners and dog lovers alike will be sure to enjoy a fantastic day full of races, music, fancy dress, stalls, and more.

“Me and the whole team Shaka Surf – alongside our main sponsor Red Paddle and our media partners at Hot Radio – can’t wait to share the fun with you after what’s been such a hard year.”

The Dog Surfing Championships, which has been running since 2018, receive international recognition at its last event in 2019 through national TV and radio coverage, as well as over half a million hits on social media via British Internet media company UNILAD.

For this year’s event, there will be the usual paddleboard owner and dog tandem race heats and finals, as well as a solo dog surfing competition, dependent on surfing conditions.

If allowed to go ahead, dogs will receive prizes for style, longest wave, dismount, effort, tricks and tail wagging.

Hot Radio, the competition’s media partner, will provide music for the occasion and compare the main stage, which will feature a host of local acts.

Both local and related businesses are invited to get involved with the 2021 event, by providing fencing sponsorship, on-site sponsorship and stall hire.

Anyone can enter their dog for the competition, so long as their pup is confident and happy in the water.

Tickets for participants and spectators are available on ticketsource and start from just £6 per adult and £4 per child over three years old.

To find out more take a look at www.shakasurf.co.uk or email shakasurfuk@gmail.com.