While surfing may have originated in ancient Polynesian culture hundreds, if not thousands of years ago, the man who gets all the credit for bringing it to California’s shores (via Hawaii) is George Freeth. Henry Huntington, the railroad magnate, invited Freeth to Redondo Beach in 1907 and billed it like this: “Come see the man who can walk on water.” Seems 100 years ago, Freeth was borderline circus freak.

A lot has changed since 1907. Just about everyone and his dog is now comfortable “walking on water.” And when I say dog, I literally mean dog! Check out these awe-some vids if you don’t believe me. (And, yes, I realize it should say hangin’ 18, not 20… but that just sounds wrong.)

1. Forget hangin’ 20 – Nani can hang 40!

Let’s start with Nani, a 5-year-old Bernese Mountain dog. Wait til you get to the part where Nani is joined by Kia for some hilarious tandem action!

2. Ricochet away!

This one features Riccochet the surfer dog catching a wave into the beach.

3. Dozier, you are the dog!

Check out surf dog Dozier at the 2009 surf Dog Surf a Thon put on by the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. The event which takes place at Dog Beach in Del mar helped raise nearly $50,000 for homeless pets and educational programs.

4. El Rollo?

This terrier, Sam, has some stiff competition from a 4-month-old Peruvian kitten!

5. Gnarlatious!

More Nani here. She’s only 85 lbs, btw.

6. Surf City Surf Dog

Found this one embedded over on the Los Angeles Times site. Epic!

7. Hot-Dogging, anyone?

More Dozier here. Mondo mondo!

8. Buddy: Lord of Dogtown!

This Jack Russell terrier from Ventura can really work the longboard!

9. Every wave is a BIG wave when you’re only a foot tall!

10. Sea-bound hounds R Rad!

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?