The world's biggest surf festival, where every man - and his dog - hits the waves
It is the surf event where every man and his dog takes part - literally.
The world's biggest surf festival, held in Queensland, Australia, has seen an eclectic mix descend on the beach in Noosa, north of Brisbane, with some four-legged contenders also hitting the waves.
More than 500 surfers from 13 different countries take part in the seven-day event, but it is the pooches that take centre stage.
Pooch on board: The Noosa Festival of Surf has a special Dog Spectacular competition
Jump on in: The dogs are put on their owners' boards then ride the waves back into shore
Thousands of intrigued spectactors gathered to watch the Dog Spectacular, when surfers take their hounds out into the waves on their boards.
While some perform tricks with their pets on board, others hop off at an opportune moment and let their dogs ride the waves solo.
But while dog-surfing is a definite highlight, the acrobatic Tandem Surfing Championships is certainly a draw as well, with couples performing unusual stunts while stood on the same board.
Acrobatics: The tandem competition also draws the crowds and surfers perform tricks together on their boards
No hands!: Some of the tandem costumes and performances were more outlandish than others
Family fun: The whole town joins in for the seven-day festival, from children and adults to first-timers and professionals
The Backpacker Challenge, involves 16 international backpackers, who are given just six surfing lessons before being thrown into the competition to perform in front of thousands of spectators.
The Festival of Surfing began on Australia's Sunshine Coast in 1992 and has grown to become an international event, with 40 per cent of the surfers from overseas.
Action shot: The surfing spectacular welcomes thousands fo participants and spectators from around the world
Tricks of the trade: Professional surfers show off their skills and 16 hapless backpackers also take tot he water after a crash course in surfing
Australian surfer Layne Beachley, the seven times Women's World Champion surfer, headlined the event and explained why she makes sure she is in town each year.
'It highlights how beautiful our beaches are in this country. I have travelled the world for twenty years as a professional surfer... there's no place like home.'
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