Canines hit the waves as thousands attend surfing competition for dogs

Jeff Nieboer pushes Charlie through the breakers during the World Dog Surfing Championships (Eakin Howard/AP)

A surfing competition with a difference drew thousands of spectators to a beach near San Francisco, as dogs of all sizes took to the waves.

Labs, terriers and spaniels were among dozens of dogs riding the surf at Pacifica State Beach, about 14 miles south of the city, in the annual World Dog Surfing Championships.