This summer, hundreds of dogs will show off their surfing talent at the annual World Dog Surfing Championships in California. The pooches are judged on things like the size of the wave they surf and the length of their ride.

To train dogs to surf, owners use positive reinforcement like treats and praise. They teach the dogs to balance on the back of the board, which prevents it from nose-diving into the water. After plenty of practice, the pooches are ready to surf!

During surf competitions, owners walk out into the ocean pushing a surfboard carrying their dog. Once it’s time to catch a wave, owners gently launch the board toward the shore. Cowabunga!