Like many other big events, the one-of-a-kind championships were rescheduled from July 2020, but finally came to fruition on 25 July 2021.

Almost 1,000 spectators soaked up a variety of activities and spectacles across the day with live music playing between the racing. And dog-lovers were excited for a fun-packed day of paddle boarding and a lot of laughter.

From sausage dogs on surfboards to pups who love SUPS (stand up paddleboards), the competition was open to all thrill-seeking canines across the country and their board masters.

The heats ran throughout the day with Labradors, Jack Russells and speedy spaniels giving previous winner Bear the Beagle, some stiff competition on the water. However, they were no match for the reigning champion, who bagged the Dogmasters trophy for the third time running.

Bear the Beagle’s owner James said: “I’ve been taking part since the competition started three years ago. I just love being outdoors and being with the dog. I go paddle boarding a lot and I don’t like to leave him at home, so if he can come out with us then it makes it even more fun. We’ve won run two years in a row – double champs – it’s been stiff competition this year. I came second in the last round, but I’m so chuffed to win overall.”

James and Bear went head-to-head in the final against CJ and his dog Chuck Norris the Jack Russell who put up a great performance on the water. However, seasoned paddlers Bear and James hit the beach and stormed the finish line to take the tile of Dogmasters 2021.

One of the event judges was Coast and One Show presenter, Miranda Krestovnikoff who brought her canine friend Nanuk for support.

Miranda said, ”I’ve had a wonderful day; I had no expectation of what the day would be like and it’s been great to see so many people and dogs having fun. A few years ago, it was quite odd to see a dog on a paddle board but now it’s quite acceptable and we now have these great life jackets for the dogs too, it’s become a thing now. We’re seeing kids on boards and dogs on boards as well, everywhere, it’s just great to see.”

When asked if she’ll be joining the action with her dog Nanuk in 2022, she said: “I’ll have to get my son in some serious training to hopefully give Bear the Beagle a run for his money next year.”

International paddle board brand Red Paddle Co was the lead sponsor with all competitors racing on inflatable Red boards and all dogs wearing specially designed Red paddle boarding dog buoyancy aids with useful handles for picking up the dogs and putting them on the boards.

Red Paddle Co’s head of marketing, Charlie Green said, “We’re excited to be part of the Dogmaster Champs this year. Paddle boarding, racing dogs and some summer sun, what’s not to love? Paddle boarding with your dog is becoming increasingly popular as a way of sharing a love of the water, exercise and adventure.”

There was also an appearance from the world’s first-ever paddle board ice cream parlour, created by urban ice cream brand, Northern Bloc. Crowds paddled and swam out to the Paddle up Parlour on the giant Red Paddle Co paddleboard and enjoyed free Northern Bloc’s vegan ice cream.

Local resident and paddle board enthusiast Mike Sunderland said he’d come down to the beach for a fun family day out and to support the local surf school: “It was a fantastic to see so many people gathering together to enjoy paddle boarding today.  I’m often out on the water and I own a Red Paddle Co board, so it was great to see so many Red boards being used for such a fun community-led event.“

Mark Reeves, event organiser from Shaka Surf, who runs a SUP and surf school and shop in Bournemouth said: “It has been a long wait, so we’re pleased we could finally see this event come to realisation. After such a tough year for everyone, we were excited to put on a really fun day where dog owners and dog lovers can come together to race, have a laugh and just have some fun in the water.”