THE clock is ticking down to the start of the third annual UK Dog Surfing Championship.

Cancelled last year due to the pandemic, Dogmasters – run by Shaka Surf at Poole's Branksome Dene Chine beach – will take place on Sunday, July 25.

Dorset Echo: The UK's dog surfing championships, presented by Shaka Surf. Image: Echo Camera Club Dorset member Antony WardThe UK's dog surfing championships, presented by Shaka Surf. Image: Echo Camera Club Dorset member Antony Ward

Centred around paddleboard owner and dog tandem races, the event also includes live music on a main stage, stalls, fancy dress, a solo dog surfing competition and food and drinks.

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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.

Dorset Echo: The Shaka Surf Branksome Dog Surfing championships take place at Branksome Dene ChineThe Shaka Surf Branksome Dog Surfing championships take place at Branksome Dene Chine

“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, attracted international attention in 2019, as well as over half a million hits on social media.

Dorset Echo: The Shaka Surf Branksome Dog Surfing championships take place at Branksome Dene ChineThe Shaka Surf Branksome Dog Surfing championships take place at Branksome Dene Chine

A Dogmasters spokesman said: "It is a one of a kind event that brings together lovers of dogs and the sea for a fun-packed day of surfing and paddle-boarding competitions, as well as music, stalls, food, drink and more.

"All whilst raising awareness of animal charities and local businesses.

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

Dorset Echo: Winners of the 2018/19 UK Dog Surfing Championships James Clarke and his dog BearWinners of the 2018/19 UK Dog Surfing Championships James Clarke and his dog Bear

Tickets for participants and spectators are available on ticketsource.

Visit www.shakasurf.co.uk or email shakasurfuk@gmail.com for further information.