A Guide To Paddle Boarding With Your Dog

Paddleboarding is a highly social activity. A gathering of like-minded friends taking to the water to share the simple joy of existing in that moment. And, in the interests of the inclusive nature of SUP, it is not uncommon to stretch such inclusivity beyond the human realm into the canine one.

Seeing paddleboarders out on a SUP with their pup, or their log with a dog (sorry) has become a common site on the water. But where do you start if you want to get go for a paddle with your pooch?

What follows is a quickfire guide to getting some quality SUP time with your dog.

Find a School

The first place to start is to ideally find an ASI school that specialise in SUP sessions with dogs.

As highlighted by Franca Oud-van Neijenhof of SUP Schermer, who told us,

‘I recommend initially going with a certified SUP school with a certified dog trainer or handler. Someone with qualifications and experience. They can even help you choose the ideal board. The school can train you as a paddler even with the dog on board, so you don’t have to be a strong paddler to start SUP with a dog.’

The Board

First things first and it’s important to make sure you have a board big enough to carry both yourself and your dog. Don’t forget to take both weights into account when choosing. Make sure the board is wide enough for your dog to be comfortable. Extra size in the board will offer more stability on the water and in turn make those first paddles less open to issue.

Traction on the deck is also a key requirement if your dog is to not slip into the water. A full deck pad, or the more grippy surface of an inflatable SUP tend to be good choices in this respect. Alternative options can be found however, such as simply utilising a work out mat.

Flotation Device and Dogline

Don’t presume your dog is going to be a strong swimmer. Invest in a dog personal flotation device (PFD) and do a few practice wears at home to get your dog used to it and ensure it is a good fit. Putting a dog into an unfamiliar situation such as upon the deck of a paddleboard can prove disorientating initially, so having this additional safety element is a wise move.

Also seek out a dogline (leash) of approximately 2m in length.

Over to Franca, ‘We use a dogline and then a PFD or harness to put the leash on. Never attach the leash to your dog’s neck. If your dog falls off you can gently pull them back onto the board this way and when you return to land you know your dog won’t run off. Once you know your dog and understand how they react, you can begin to leave the leash at home.

Swimming

Make sure your dog is comfortable in and around water. Some dogs have a fear of such things and it is important to slowly work on overcoming this if you are to SUP together. An introduction to the water without a paddleboard where your dog can become free to explore at their own speed can alleviate any fears.

Trim Those Nails

Nobody wants a scratched deck, so ensure you keep your dog’s nails nice and short if you plan on paddling with them.

Start On Land

Do not head straight out onto the water. The first thing to do is to gradually introduce your dog to the board, and this is best done at home on dry land. Allow you pooch to explore the board, maybe pop a treat or two on the deck. Let this happen in your dog’s own time. The whole idea is that both yourself and your dog get to enjoy time on the water, so this point in the process is vital.

Slowly encourage your dog onto the deck and practice the ‘sit’ command, offering treats when your dog obeys. Move onto ‘stay’ and gently allow your dog to become at home up on the deck of your SUP.

Franca told us, ‘You can first teach your dog to sit on a workout mat, then teach it to sit on the mat on the board, and finally into the water. We use a tube of dog pasta as a treat. They like that a lot!’

First Paddles

Keep it short. A quick paddle followed by praise and treats on land allows your dog to become accustomed to the experience without stressing them.

Ensure you have water to keep both of you hydrated. Also, apply sunscreen. Dogs can burn too.

Take your time. Sure, this is a new experience for your dog, but it may be your first time paddling with a pooch on board and this can prove initially distracting as you seek to ensure your dog is happy. It is easy for the weight adjustments and movement of your dog to throw balance. Perhaps begin by paddling on your knees. There is no rush in the process and patience pays off where SUP sessions and dogs are concerned.

In many respects you will both be learning new skills on the water and as with every new adventure, preparation is key.

Position

Franca recommends always keeping your dog in front of you as you paddle so you can see where your dog is and what they are doing.

Falling

If both yourself and your dog end up in the water it is vital that you climb back onto the board first.

Franca explains why, ‘If the dog is first and you hang on the board to climb back up chances are the dog will fall again into the water. This can cause the dog a lot of stress.’

By doing things the other way around everybody stays calm and finds themselves back on the deck of the board.

Have Fun!

Remember why you are doing this. This is a shared experience. Both yourself and your dog should relish the times you paddle together. The gradual introduction requires patience and will hold frustrations, but the pay off is huge. You get to take your best friend on shared journeys in magical places. And that is worth it’s weight in doggy treats.

For a little further insight, check out ur chat with Franca from SUP Schermer - a well-established ASI school who specialise in SUP dog sessions - right here.