First surfing dog to be inducted into the surfer hall of fame has died

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Sugar, the first surfing dog to be honored in the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 16 after a fight with cancer. His owner announced that the five-time world champion passed away on March 30th.

The Huntington Beach rescue dog became famous in the surfing community and later gained national recognition for helping veterans through therapy.

Sugar, a white dog rescued from Southern California, became famous for dog surfing. She often rode waves with her owner, Ryan Rustan, wearing a life jacket, and helped popularize the sport. Beyond surfing competitions, Sugar also worked as a therapy dog, providing comfort to veterans.

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A post shared by Sugar (@sugarthesurfingdog)

Sugar made surfing history long before her last ride

The news of her passing was shared in a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing she died peacefully in her father’s arms after a fight with cancer. Rustan had previously announced her diagnosis in March, and remarkably, Sugar was even able to swim one last time just weeks before she died.

Sugar wasn’t just a social media star; she was a true pioneer in the world of dog surfing. In 2024, she made history as the first dog to be inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, with her paw prints permanently displayed alongside those of legendary surfers. She also dominated the competition, winning five dog surfing world championships and becoming one of the most celebrated animal athletes in the sport.

When the news of her passing got out, people quickly shared memories of her. Fans and surf shops alike remembered her as a beloved local figure and a dog who played a big part in making surfing more popular.

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2026-03-31 18:24