Bournemouth Surf Breaks With Your Dog

A Bournemouth collaboration making waves

Bournemouth has long been known for its sandy beaches, buzzing seafront, and laid-back coastal charm, and now there’s even more reason to plan your next seaside break. We’re excited to announce a new collaboration between Hotel Collingwood and Shaka Surf, one of Bournemouth’s most popular and welcoming surf schools. Whether you’re here to ride the waves, paddleboard along the shore, or just soak up the beachside atmosphere, this partnership brings together two local favourites to help you make the most of your time by the sea.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the crew at Shaka Surf, share some of the exciting events they’ve got coming up, including a surf competition with a canine twist, and show you why Hotel Collingwood is the perfect place to stay, especially if you’re bringing your four-legged friend along for the adventure.

Who are Shaka Surf?

Set on the golden sands of Branksome Dene Chine Beach, one of the UK’s most beautiful dog-friendly beaches, Shaka Surf is more than just a surf school. As the only Surfing England-accredited surf school in Dorset, they’ve spent the last decade building a reputation for top-quality lessons, friendly vibes, and unforgettable days on the water. 

Whether you're brand new to surfing or already chasing bigger waves, their team of highly qualified instructors (all ISA and Surfing England certified with SLSGB and RLSS lifeguard qualifications) create a fun, safe and encouraging environment for all.

From surfing and paddleboarding to kayaking, kids' clubs, large group events and beach parties, Shaka Surf has something for everyone:

• Surfing lessons & hire – tailored to each individual, covering technique, paddle skills and stamina
• Stand-up paddleboarding – with lessons from beginner basics to surf SUP and sprint training
  
• Kayak hire – ideal for a laid-back paddle if you prefer to explore on your own
  
• Kids Club: Grom Squad – a structured weekend surf club for ages 8–15, teaching skills, safety and ocean awareness
  
• Parties, groups & corporate sessions – beach days with a difference, complete with games and watersports fun
  
  

They were recently awarded Silver in the DMB Tourism Awards 2024 for "Attraction of the Year" in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. With a 5-star Google rating, it’s clear their passion for what they do resonates with visitors time and time again.

Their beach base is just a short walk from local restaurants and amenities, with parking nearby, making planning a whole day by the coast easy.

You can find out more or book your next water sports adventure HERE.

What’s on at the beach: one big weekend of dogs, waves, and good vibes

Each summer, Shaka Surf hosts one of the South Coast’s most unique and joy-filled beach events, the Dogs Masters Festival, returning to Branksome Dene in July 2025. This lighthearted competition sees adventurous pups take to the waves, cheered on by a crowd of dog lovers, beachgoers, and curious passersby.

But it’s more than just dogs on surfboards. The event transforms the beach into a vibrant festival-style experience, with live music, street food, beach games, and volleyball, all set against the stunning coastal backdrop of Poole Bay. Whether you’re entering your dog, watching from the sand, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s a weekend that captures everything we love about British seaside culture: laid-back, full of character, and a little bit bonkers in the best way.

It’s the perfect excuse for a summer stay in Bournemouth, and if you’re bringing your dog, we know just the place to stay…

A warm welcome for you and your dog at Hotel Collingwood

If you plan a trip to Bournemouth for the Dogs Masters Festival or simply fancy a beach break with your four-legged companion, Hotel Collingwood is ideally located, just a short stroll from the seafront. We’re proud to be one of Bournemouth’s dog-friendly hotels, welcoming well-behaved pups to enjoy a relaxing coastal getaway in Dorset.

Our location means you’re close enough to walk to Branksome Dene Beach, where the surf action takes place, while still being near Bournemouth’s vibrant town centre, gardens, and coastal walks. And if you’re staying a little longer, we’ve pulled together some of the best local dog walks to help you explore the area at your own pace.

To help you make the most of your stay, we provide every guest with a Welcome Pet Pack filled with walking ideas, dog-friendly restaurants and cafés, and a handy beach guide. After a day of seaside adventures, return to a cosy en-suite room complete with mineral water, food and water bowls, tasty locally made dog treats, and, in many rooms, walk-in showers, perfect for rinsing off sandy paws. We’ll also place you in a room near an outside exit where possible.

When it’s time to dine, dogs are welcome in our Tea Lounge, Secret Garden and Bubble Lounge, where you can even treat them to a fresh meal from our Doggy Bites menu. For guests dining in the Gold Room, we kindly ask that dogs remain in the bedroom during mealtimes.

Learn more about our dog-friendly hotel features and what to expect during your stay.

With comfortable rooms, flexible booking options, and plenty of nearby dog-friendly cafés and beaches, Hotel Collingwood is the ideal base for a relaxing stay after a day in the sea breeze.

Ready to plan your coastal getaway?

‍Book your stay at Hotel Collingwood and get ready for waves, wagging tails, and warm welcomes.