Flagler Beach will once again play host to the Hang 8 Dog Surfing event this year, its fourth year running. The event received approval from the Flagler Beach City Commission to utilize a temporary exception to the ordinance banning dogs on the beach in order to hold the festivities.
The Hang 8 Dog Surfing Extravaganza, as it’s officially known, assembles dogs from across the community and sometimes even the country to surf the modest waves of Flagler Beach. Dozens of dogs have participated in years past, with attendance noticeably growing year after year. Eric Cooley and Suzie Johnston, a current city commissioner and a former mayor, are the main organizers.
This year’s Hang 8 will be different from years past in that it opens up a competition division for medium-sized dogs, instead of just large and small as in years past. What won’t change is the outpouring of community members attending to watch the dogs, take in the sun, browse community vendors, and spend a unique day at the beach.
Ever since its inception, Hang 8 has become nothing short of nationally famous. It’s been covered in national media outlets, bringing a potentially impactful tourism draw to Flagler Beach. Local businesses in the immediate vicinity – including Cooley’s own 7-Eleven convenience store – always become packed the morning of the event.
Gaining City Commission Approval
Eric Cooley and Suzie Johnston with Wednesday the chihuahua at the February 27th City Commission meeting. ⓒ Flagler Beach government
Commissioner Cooley stepped down from the dais at the Flagler Beach City Commission’s February 27th meeting and joined up with Johnston and their dog Wednesday, the unofficial mascot of the event, to request special permission from the Commission. Cooley of course did not vote on the matter himself, being involved with the applicant organization.
“This is a charity event,” Johnston mentioned at the meeting. “One hundred percent of the proceeds go to K9s for Warriors, SMART Pet Rescue, and our local Flagler County Humane Society. We have pet vendors and charities, and also we invite out the other municipalities to set up a tent for public service for outreach to give information.”
“We are super excited to bring the 4th Hang 8 Dog Surfing Extravaganza to Flagler Beach!” Cooley said in a statement this week. “This year we are adding more dog surfing categories to the lineup and an adoptable dog area to the event with the hopes that we see many dogs get placed in their forever homes. The city staff and county tourism department have been great partners making this the best year yet! While the event will continue for years to come, the founder of Hang 8 Little Wednesday is retiring from surfing so come out and see her off!”
