[2] In the non-tandem portion of the contest, first, second, and third place are awarded in each weight class based on ride length, technique, and attitude as well as wave size during a ten-minute heat, and the top two dogs in each class then compete for the Top All-Around Surfing Championship Awards.

Only five dogs competed, in two weight classes; Abbie Girl, an Australian Kelpie originally rescued through Humane Society Silicon Valley, won the overall competition over her friend Brandy, a Pug.

[2][5][10][11][12][13] Video of Simon McCoy's unenthusiastic presentation of the story for BBC News was widely shared.

Gidget, a Pug, won Top Dog and Abbie Girl, whose owner competed with one foot in a cast, received the newly added Spirit of Surfing Award;[17] Shredder of the Year and All Heart awards were also introduced for the first time.

[26][27] The 2023 championships took place on August 5 at Linda Mar beach in Pacifica, in unusually choppy conditions.