Is Your Dog a Good Candidate for SUP Trips?
Before planning your first dog-and-board adventure, it’s important to consider whether your pup is ready to take on the water. SUP outings can be exciting, but they also present a new environment filled with movement, splashes, and shifting balance.
The best paddleboarding dogs are:
Comfortable around water
Able to follow simple commands (sit, stay, down)
Calm or at least moderately relaxed in new settings
Okay with wearing a dog life jacket (PFD)
Labradors, golden retrievers, and spaniels are common SUP companions because they’re strong swimmers and love outdoor activity. That said, even small breeds like terriers or corgis can make excellent SUP buddies—as long as they’re trained and supported with the right gear.
Must-Have Board Features for Dogs
To make your dog feel secure (and keep your balance), certain features are non-negotiable when picking a dog-friendly iSUP:
✅ A full-length or extended EVA deck pad
EVA Deck Pads Choose a board with a full-length or extended deck pad made from soft EVA foam. This material offers excellent grip for your dog’s paws and adds a layer of comfort. It also helps with drying quickly if wet paws make contact often.
✅ A board width of 32–34″
Width and Stability Boards 32–34″ wide provide the stable foundation needed when a dog shifts, stands up, or even jumps into the water. The wider the board, the less it’ll rock during these movements—especially important with larger breeds.
✅ Front and rear bungees or D-rings
Tie-Downs and Gear Mounts Bungees and D-rings make it easier to secure:
Collapsible dog water bowls
PFDs (when not worn)
Treat pouches or cooling towels
A waterproof bag for toys or cleanup gear
✅ Optional use of a side handle for leash attachment
A breakaway clip on a side handle (instead of the rear D-ring) gives your dog movement while avoiding tangles or drag.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Best Inflatable SUP Features for Beginners
What Size Board Do You Need for You + Dog?
Sizing matters when you’re carrying two bodies. Use this formula:
Add your weight + your dog’s weight + 10–15 lbs for gear.
Multiply that total by 1.1 (a 10% buffer) to find your minimum board capacity.
🔸 Example:
Rider: 175 lbs
Dog: 60 lbs
Gear: 15 lbs
➜ Total: 250 lbs ➜ Target capacity: ~275–300 lbs minimum
🟦 Length Guidelines:
10’6″ to 11’6″ = Ideal for carrying both a medium-to-large dog and gear
Shorter boards can work for small breeds, but may feel cramped
Longer boards offer more room for movement and gear tie-downs
🟦 Recommended Reading: How to Choose the Right iSUP Weight Capacity
Training Your Dog for SUP Sessions
Taking the time to train your dog ensures every session is safer and more enjoyable. Follow these steps:
🔹 Start on land: Let your dog sit, lie down, and stand on the board at home. Praise them every time they interact with it.
🔹 Move to shallow water: Begin sessions near shore, where your dog can safely hop on and off. Use the leash gently and build confidence.
🔹 Practice commands: Use “stay,” “sit,” and “down” consistently. Reward calm behavior on the board.
🔹 Use a PFD: Start practicing with the life jacket on, so it feels normal before real paddling begins.
Repeat these steps until your dog is comfortable enough to join you for a short, slow paddle.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Is Paddleboarding Safe for Beginners?
Safety Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Your safety and your pup’s comfort go hand-in-paw. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
✅ Always use a dog-specific PFD – Even good swimmers can struggle in current, heat, or fatigue.
✅ Don’t tether tightly – Never tie your dog’s leash directly to the board. Use a breakaway clip or go leash-free in safe, enclosed areas.
✅ Keep nails trimmed – Sharp claws can damage EVA padding or slip more easily.
✅ Bring extra water – Dogs can overheat fast, especially when surrounded by reflected sun on water.
✅ Plan breaks – Stop often to let your pup stretch, hydrate, and cool off.
Start with calm waters. Gradually introduce waves, currents, or longer distances only after your dog is confident.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Waterproof Essentials: What to Bring on a SUP Trip
Final Thoughts: Building Trust and Enjoying the Ride
The goal of paddling with your dog isn’t just exercise—it’s connection. When you introduce your pup to the board patiently and positively, you build trust and set the stage for shared adventure.
Here’s what to remember:
Always keep sessions short at first—15 to 30 minutes is a good start.
Reward your dog frequently and keep the tone light.
Monitor how your dog is reacting. If they show signs of fatigue or stress, return to shore.
With consistency and care, most dogs will learn to enjoy SUP time as much as you do—and maybe even nap on the deck by the end of the paddle.
🟦 Recommended Reading: What Inflatable SUP Length Is Right for You?
Looking for Dog-Friendly iSUPs?
Want to find inflatable paddleboards perfect for paddling with your pup? Use our SUP filter tool to compare dog-friendly boards by weight capacity, width, deck padding, and more.
You can filter for:
Higher weight capacities for dog + gear
Wide, stable boards 32–34″
Rear or side grab handles for safety and control
- And more
Make every paddle trip safe and tail-wagging fun—for both of you!