Sugar inspired many, both in and out of the water. Photo: GoFundMe
Over the years, Sugar the Surfing Dog has delighted and inspired many Southern California surfers. Unfortunately, this week the beloved canine passed away at the age of 16, following a battle with cancer.
Sugar has long been a mainstay in the Huntington Beach, California scene, winning five World Dog Surfing Championships and five Huntington Beach Surf City Dog Championships. In December of 2024, she became the first dog to join the city’s Surfer’s Hall of Fame – which was commemorated with a ceremony where her paws were stamped into concrete alongside icons such as Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Gerry Lopez and Duke Kahanamoku.
Sugar’s owner, Ryan Rustan, also credited her with helping him overcome mental health and addiction struggles. As he told NBC in an interview following the Hall of Fame induction, she went on to help others as well. “She does a lot of surf therapy for lots of kids,” he said. “It’s not just about surfing against people but also putting smiles on the little kids’ faces and the athletes that are disabled. She gets to ride with them.”
“Sugar wasn’t just a champion on the waves. She was a symbol of joy, resilience, and purpose,” wrote the City of Huntington Beach in a Facebook post. “From inspiring the surfing world to advocating for rescue dogs and bringing comfort to veterans as a therapy dog, her impact reached far beyond the shoreline. Thank you, Sugar, for the smiles, the waves, and the legacy you leave behind.”
According to Rustan, Sugar passed peacefully in his arms, surrounded by love.
