A dog participates in the 4th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort surf dog competition in Imperial Beach, south of San Diego, Calif., on June 20, 2009. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)

A lot goes in to making the perfect wave. From winds blowing off shore, to local tide conditions - the weather needs to be just right for the ideal swell.

These dogs, however, are oblivious to these factors. To them, it's just a fun day at the beach.

Every year, a cavalcade of canines, accompanied by their owners, participate in local surfing competitions in California. The annual competition at Huntington Beach takes place in September. Last year some 48 dogs took part in the event, which drew a crowd of over 1,500 spectators.

The annual surf dog competition, which claims to be the largest surfing competition for pooches, takes place in June at Imperial Beach, south of San Diego. The dogs are judged on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability. Some of the hounds surf for charities as well.

Above you'll find several rad dogs from the past few years doing with four legs what most humans can't do with two. Surf's up!

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