Paddle boarding is in trend. Lately, you can see more and more dogs as passengers on the boards.
How to paddle with the four-legged friends and what you have to consider, you will learn in this article.
Table of Contents
Why Paddle With a Dog?
Nature, relaxation and fitness: paddleboarding is a great leisure activity and is now a worldwide known outdoor sport. So the question arises, why not just take the four-legged friends on the board.
The fun pastime is a great fitness workout for the whole body for both dog and human, promoting stability and balance.
The constant balancing and cushioning of waves strengthens deep muscles that are otherwise difficult to train in both humans and dogs.
Not to forget: Paddle boarding is fun – for two- and four-legged friends. In addition, the new water sport strengthens the bond between pet and human.
What Are the Requirements for You and Your Dog?
For this project, the health of the animal is very important. If necessary, talk to your veterinarian about the upcoming tour. There are different types of dogs. Some are wild about water, others prefer to avoid it. Make sure your pet is comfortable in the water and can swim. If this is not the case, it is recommended that you take a paddle board course with your dog (or start very slowly).
The most important requirement on you is experience using a paddle board. You should be able to move around safely and perform simple paddle strokes, turns and stops. If you have to take care of your four-legged friend and yourself at the same time, it will make your life unnecessarily difficult.
Yvonne – herself a course instructor for SUP-with-dog courses – says:
The basis is that you first practice paddle boarding yourself, including paddling technique with turns and stops, and only take the dog with you when you are confident yourself.
It requires trust and security to venture together on the water, but then strengthens the bond with the four-legged friend all the more.
Yvonne (Course instructor)
In the learning process you should give your dog a lot of time to get used to the SUP. Every human-dog team is different. Size, weight of paddler and dog, age, dog is a real water junkie or tends to be shy: there is no patent remedy. Give yourself and your four-legged friend time to get used to it and you’ll be fine.
Bloggerin and dog lover Jenny says:
The be-all and end-all of getting on the water with your dog is patience. You just have to try again and again. Sometimes it just takes longer. Buster, our water-shy male, has now – after 1.5 years – swum for the first time.
If you give up too early or build up pressure, you will not get the dog stable on the board.
Jenny (blogger)
In special courses you can also learn SUP with dog. There you will get tips and individual step-by-step instructions. However, dog SUP courses are the exception.
Which Board Is Suitable for Paddle Boarding With Dogs?
Unfortunately, there is no general recommendation for paddle boarding. For SUP with a dog, it depends on the following factors:
- Total weight of paddler and dog
- Size of the dog
- Sportiness & turning circle of the dog
- Area of use (lakes, rivers, sea, …)
- Riding ability & fitness level
- Budget
Basically, the heavier the weight and the bigger the dog, the wider the board should be. The dog should be able to turn well and take a comfortable position without slipping off the board.
For your needs, wide all-around boards, whitewater boards, wave boards and SUP boards for yoga are well suited. The boards should be 6” (6 inches ~ 15 cm) thick. When choosing must be suitable on the carrying weight. This should be well above the total weight of paddler and dog.
Raceboards and long narrow touring boards are reserved for experienced teams of dog and human. Medium to large dogs or dogs limited in movement, the narrow cut of the board is unfavorable because the board is too tippy.
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the board should be able to easily carry the total weight (paddler + dog + wet coat (2-4 kg / 4-9 lbs)).
The newer boards are often coated on the entire surface. The keyword “soft deck pad” means a pad that reduces the risk of slipping, protects the board and gives your dog stability.
Will the Dog’s Claws Scratch and Break the Board?
The new inflatable boards can withstand a lot. Normal dog claws can’t do much to these. The outer shell is very sturdy. Yvonne from paddle boarding with Dog has a lot to do with dogs in her SUP courses. With them there were only superficial scratch marks despite continuous use.
An alternative can be so-called dog mats. These thicker mats are attached to the board, secure the stand of the dog and are indestructible.
Best Boards for SUP With Dog
Paddle boarding with dog makes some demands on the boards. Among the best boards are the extra wide and stable yoga SUPs.
- 【NON-SLIP TRACTION DOG PAD】MYBOAT DOG FUN paddle...
- 【MULTI-FUNCTIONAL & SAFETY HANDLE】There is a...
- 【STABLE & EXTRA LONG/WIDE】An extra-wide 34’’...
- 【370LB WEIGHT LIMIT】MYBOAT stand up paddle board is...
- ULTIMATE ALL AROUND PADDLE BOARD: 10'6 x 31" x 6” -...
- EXTREMELY DURABLE, STABLE, AND PORTABLE: Constructed...
- BEAUTIFUL, FEATURE-PACKED DESIGN: Extra large diamond...
- COMPLETE ISUP PACKAGE: includes GILI 10'6 Air SUP, GILI...
- [Over 350LBS Capacity ]: The Zupapa 10FT inflatable...
- [Paddle or Kayak]: All the models come with a removable...
- [Full Anti-Skid EVA]: Zupapa paddleboards' deck are all...
- [Easy to Carry]: All the accessories fit into the...
- FUN FROM STERN TO BOW-WOW: You and your best friend can...
- WHO’S A GOOD BUOY?: Our inflatable paddle board...
- BEST OF FRIENDS: Constructed using military grade drop...
- LOADED WITH TREATS: Everything you need - 11 foot long...
- Perfect for intermediate paddlers. Paddleboard leash...
- Eva deck covering for increased traction. Center carry...
- Retractable for surf or flat water paddling. Front deck...
- Durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction....
Board selection tips:
- 6” thickness (15 cm)
- Board width from 33″ (85 cm)
- Deckpad
- Weight
Nice extras are:
- 3 fins (for tipping stability)
- round nose (makes it easier for dogs to get on and off)
Dog Life Jackets
Besides a suitable board, we also advise dog life jackets. Even if you meant that your dog can swim, there are always emergency situations (sudden strong wind, higher waves) and in these the vest protects the dog.
The expert says:
Many spontaneously think: “My dog can swim, right?”.
True. But there can always be an emergency situation. The vest protects the dog and can become a life-saving accessory.
Yvonne (Course instructor)
When buying a dog life jacket, make sure that the handle is on the top of the vest. This will allow you to safely hold your four-legged friend on the board or help them get on and off.
Best Dog Life Jackets for Paddleboarding
- SIZING BASED ON GIRTH: Dogs come in all shapes and...
- SPLASH WITH SAFETY: The Outward Hound Granby Splash...
- NOVICE & EXPERIENCED SWIMMER-FRIENDLY: The Granby...
- MULTI-HANDLE DESIGN: Dual grab handles make it easy to...
- MEASURE BEFORE PURCHASE: before choosing a size, please...
- FOR DOG'S SAFETY: Vivaglory dog PFD is constructed with...
- CONVENIENCE & FIT: durable grab handle of the dog life...
- HIGH VISIBILITY: comes with bright colors and...
- Improved fit: Our new PVC-free GAIA foam panels are...
- Adjustable neck: The telescoping neck closure adjusts...
- Made for the water: Our water-compatible webbing...
- Safety first: Features a strong, low-profile handle for...
