As Duke’s OceanFest gears up for its annual celebration, one event promises to capture hearts and imaginations alike—the Raising Cane’s GOING TO THE DOGS SURFUR COMPETITION. John recently caught up with Kelli Bullock Hergert, the event organizer, and Todd Kamisugi, a seasoned competitor, to dive into the excitement surrounding this one-of-a-kind surf contest featuring our four-legged friends.
A Unique Wave of Excitement
Duke’s OceanFest, Waikiki’s premier watersports festival, runs from August 17-25, honoring the legendary Duke Kahanamoku. This year’s GOING TO THE DOGS SURFUR COMPETITION, sponsored by Raising Cane’s, takes place on Tuesday, August 20th, at 8:30 a.m. at Kuhio Beach. The event showcases both tandem and solo canine surfers, celebrating Duke Kahanamoku’s passion for surfing and the tradition of riding the waves with dogs—a pastime cherished by the Kahanamoku family.
Meet the Canine Surfing Stars
Todd Kamisugi, a veteran of the competition, shared insights into his experiences with his two Boston Terriers, Bindi and Otto. Despite being 12 and 13 years old respectively, Bindi and Otto have made a splash in the surfing world. Otto, who battles near-total blindness, thrives on the water, sticking close to Todd as they ride the waves. Bindi, once a hesitant participant, has blossomed into a confident surfer, now comfortably leading the board.
Todd offers advice for aspiring dog-surfing enthusiasts: “Start by familiarizing your dog with water. Gradually introduce them to flat water paddling on a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard before tackling the waves.”
Join the Surfing Spectacle
With registration already closed, the competition features 25 tandem teams and 4 solo surfers vying for the coveted Grand Prize—a year’s worth of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Spectators are encouraged to witness the thrilling spectacle and support their favorite canine competitors at the Baby Queens surf break on August 20th at 8:30 a.m. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary display of canine surfing talent at one of Waikiki’s most cherished events.
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