Why Walk When You Can Ride?

Ever thought surfing was for the dogs? Well, it really was -- at the fourth annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, anyway.

About 4,000 people gathered Monday on Del Mar beach in San Diego, also known as Dog Beach, to cheer on talented pups as they competed for top surfing dog.

It may sound far-fetched, but these dogs can hang 10 better than a lot of humans!

"It just doesn't get any greater than San Diego showing its love for dogs and its love for surfing," Michael Arms, president of the Helen Woodward Animal Centre, which organized the event told Reuters. "What could be more fun?"

Dozer, a 75-pound bulldog, took first place in the extra-large category. He's only been surfing for a year. His owner, Gigi Bagaporo, said Dozer took to surfing like, well, a dog to a bone.

Proceeds from the event are used to send the Animal Centre workers to other shelters around the world for educational programs.

Photo courtesy of doggiefreak13 via Flickr (not taken at Monday's event).