Article
Gilda Rottman
Mini Read,

Surf's Up, Pups!

How Iza the dog became a surfing champion

By Catherine Schmitt
From the May/June 2026 Issue
Complexity Factors
  • Purpose
    The article describes how a dog learned to surf and became a champion in dog surfing contests. Students are directed to find key ideas in the text.
  • Structure
    The article is composed of three sections. It opens with a description of a dog named Iza preparing to surf. The first main section explains how Iza was trained to surf. The second main section describes how Iza and other dogs compete in dog surfing contests.
  • Language
    The article is written in the third person. It includes descriptive writing, idioms, rhetorical questions, and a quotation.
  • Knowledge Demands
    Basic familiarity with the sport of surfing may be helpful.
Lexile: 500L-600L
Featured Skill: Knowledge Building

Standards

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FACT FINDER!

  • Who taught Iza to surf?
  • Where did Iza learn to surf?
  • What contest did Iza enter in 2021?

It’s a cloudy day on a California beach. Thousands of people watch as a wave rises out of the water. A talented surfer stands on a surfboard, ready to ride the wave. But this isn’t just any surfer. It’s Iza, the French bulldog! 

Surfing Star

Iza has always loved the ocean. As a puppy, she went on boat rides and swimming adventures with her owner, David Fasoli. One day, David wondered: Could Iza surf? 

David decided Iza should give it a try. They started practicing together in David’s pool. Sometimes Iza fell off  her board. So David got her a life jacket to keep her safe. 

Before long, Iza could balance on her board. Then it was time for Iza to test her skills in the ocean. With some more practice, Iza was soon riding waves to shore. 

Today Iza can surf for hours. Her favorite thing to do after a long day at the beach? Cozy up with a blanket and nap!

Catching Waves

Iza isn’t the only pup who can surf. Many dogs enjoy catching waves at beaches around the world. Some even test their skills in competitions—including Iza! 

The French bulldog entered her first contest in 2021: the World Dog Surfing Championships in California. That year, she won third place. Last year, she entered again—and came in first place!

Iza also won a prize for surfing with her best doggie pal, Faith. The two pups shared a surfboard. Iza stood on the front while Faith took the back.

No matter how Iza surfs, she always puts a smile on people’s faces. “I love sharing her with the world for everyone to see,” David says.

PARAGRAPH POWER!

Write a paragraph summarizing how Iza became a surfing champion.

This article was originally published in the May/June 2026 issue.

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