Surfing dogs in California – in pictures

Michael Uy holds his Australian Kelpie Abbie Girl, who won in the small dog category for the third time Photograph: David Maung/EPA A nervous-looking pooch prepares to ride the waves Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features/KeystoneUSA-ZUMA Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features Dogs compete in 10-minute heats and are scored on their best two waves Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features/KeystoneUSA-ZUMA Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features There are three categories in the competition: small dogs, large dogs and tandem dogs Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features How many dogs can you fit on a surfboard? Lots, going by this photo Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features Judges looked for confidence, a long wave ride and a good sense of fashion Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features/KeystoneUSA-ZUMA Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features Some dogs clearly have excellent sea legs … Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features/Action images … whereas others look a little shaky Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features Don't get distracted! Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features The event attracts a sizeable crowd Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex Features Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features Nicole Tallent rests on a surfboard with her English Bulldog, Betsy Photograph: David Maung/EPA