Every dog has their moment, and for Sugar, it was on December 5, 2024, when she left her paw prints in wet cement at Huntington Beach, marking her induction into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame. Sugar now proudly holds the title of the first dog ever to achieve this honor, and her popularity continues to […]
Every dog has their moment, and for Sugar, it was on December 5, 2024, when she left her paw prints in wet cement at Huntington Beach, marking her induction into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame. Sugar now proudly holds the title of the first dog ever to achieve this honor, and her popularity continues to rise.
Since her introduction to water on a bodyboard in a pool, Sugar has amassed 19 titles, including multiple World Dog Surfing Championships, Surf City Surf Dog accolades, Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge awards, and now her immortalization in the Surfer’s Hall of Fame. She will be honored alongside legends of surfing like 11-time world champion Kelly Slater and eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore.
Tandem surfing at its finest
🏄♂️🐶: Sugar the Surfing Dog
📽️: Corey Colapinto pic.twitter.com/grXd8rM2Vc— Surfline (@surfline) February 19, 2020
Not only has Sugar left an indelible mark on the realm of surfing, but she has also transformed her owner’s life and made a significant impact on the community.
Before meeting Sugar, Ryan Rustan struggled with mental health and substance issues well into his late 20s. Their paths crossed on the streets of Oakland, California, approximately 13 years ago. The dog was in dire condition, with three lower teeth missing, but Rustan took her in and nursed her back to health, starting her journey on the water by placing her on a bodyboard in his swimming pool. He later introduced her to the ocean, taking her along on his board at Huntington Beach, and eventually, she received her very own surfboard. The rest is now history.
While achieving this title is a tremendous recognition, it transcends the competitive aspect. “She contributes significantly to surf therapy for many children,” Rustan shared. “It’s not just [about] competing, but also about bringing joy to children and assisting athletes with disabilities. She gets to ride alongside them.”
After the memorable ceremony of placing her paws in wet cement on December 5, Rustan shared his gratitude for the special occasion, remarking, “I never dreamed that [Sugar] would be the catalyst for turning my life around, right here. This moment is incredibly special.”
All seven members of the Huntington Beach City Council were present for the event, with newly elected Mayor Pat Burns and Mayor Pro Tem Casy McKeon offering their remarks. The founder of the Surfer Hall of Fame, Aaron Pai, had the privilege of officially bestowing the title upon Sugar.
