Ask These Questions to Know if Your Pup Would be Okay on Your SUP!
When it comes to SUP...
There is one activity that is growing in popularity.
It's not excursions, surf, race, or even yoga...
While those are all very popular, what's becoming more and more common to see on SUP is the inclusion of our furry friends - dogs.
If you have a well-mannered pup it can be a fun time on the water for both of you.
But before you get too excited...
Here are a few questions you can answer to see if you are ready to paddle board with your pup...
1. Are they water dogs?
Even before you consider grabbing your board and your pup, you first must determine if your dog likes the water.
Seems obvious enough, doesn't it?
But there are a few questions you can ask yourself to make this a little more clear...
Does your dog enjoy taking baths? Have they been to a river, ocean, or lake? And have they jumped in?
If your answer is yes, then you are off to a great start.
If no, then you'll have to proceed at a slower rate.
Take them to the beach or nearby lake if it’s convenient and let them get close to the water.
What to look for is whether or not they tend to panic if they’re around the water...
Any shaking, shivering, or nervousness and you either have to start really slow or maybe give up on the idea of paddling with your pup for the time being.
2. What is the closest body of water?
If you are just starting, we don't recommend your first SUP pup paddle to be on the ocean.
As those who have already been on the ocean know, paddling there can be quite the balance tester. And with another moving body on board, you're looking at a tough situation to stay afloat.
If possible, you are going to want to start your first puppy paddle on a nearby lake, bay, or even a calm river.
And in the shallows.
Having less current swirling and a shallow starting point will help both of you have a successful paddle on your first try.
3. How is your balance?
You might be an ace by yourself, but it's a whole different feel when you have a pup running through your legs.
If you are an experienced paddler chances are you should be able to maintain balance on your board even with your dog.
But if you are just beginning or even just slightly experienced, you might be in for a troubled time.
Before you start to paddle with your pup, see if you can walk forward and backward on your board. If you can do this comfortably, all while maintaining balance, then you are more likely to have success.
To learn the best ways to balance on your board if you're a beginner, check out this additional resource:
SUP Balance Tips for Beginners
4. What gear should you bring (and not bring)?
If your SUP pup is of smaller stature we highly recommend picking up an inflatable jacket for them equipped with a top handle.
The PFD will help them stay afloat while they doggy paddle next to your board and if you have a handle on top, it is much easier to snatch them out of the water and place them back on the board if they do happen to fall in.
Back to what you should not bring...
A leash.
It may seem a bit counterintuitive but a leash on a SUP is a bad idea.
If your pup does happen to fall into the water, a leash can get tangled in their legs or around their neck which can cause them to struggle in the water and put them in a dangerous situation.
And if you happen to fall in with them, a leash can also get caught up in your arms and legs putting you both in a situation you'd like to avoid.
When on land, a leash is an important part of keeping your dog safe, but on a SUP, it's best to let them feel the freedom of not being on one.
5. Got enough traction? What about float?
When it comes to the best type of board to use with a SUP pup, inflatable boards probably come in first.
You might be thinking, "What about their nails?"
Luckily, most modern inflatable boards are built tough enough to withstand punishment from rocks, sticks, and other debris. And they're built tough enough to withstand dog nails.
But what makes them the best?
Typically, inflatable boards have more volume than the standard hardboard. And they have thicker rails. This will give you and your pup an easier time balancing on the water.
In addition, the material of an inflatable board is easier for a dog to grip compared to the fiberglass of a hardboard.
However, if you do have a hardboard and want to take your pup on the water, it's always best to put a towel down on the nose. Or really any piece of material that will allow them to grip the slick surface of your board.
Also, make sure the board has enough volume to float the both of you.
And one last piece of advice - clip your pup's nails before you go! Sharp nails and SUP aren't a great mix.
Ready to give it a shot?
You might be interested in a couple of additional resources before you go...
To answer all of your questions about beginning SUP (along with your pup), refer to our article, SUP FAQ for Beginners.
Our second resource is SUP Pups California.
They are experts on getting your pup to SUP the correct way.
They write on their site, "Our lessons are about 1 hour long where we teach you everything YOU need to know about paddle boarding with terminology, technique, and form. The lesson includes the paddleboard, paddle human PFD and dog life vest. We then introduce your pup to the board very slowly at their pace, letting them gradually accept the SUP and get you both out to the middle of the bay. Samantha will show you certain tips on how to teach your pup to stay on the board."
If you are in the San Diego area, we highly recommend you check them out!
Our third resource is a video from West Coast Heeler Pack.
This instructional video is an in-depth look at teaching your dog certain steps to get them comfortable on your board.
All you need to do is follow along and you'll be paddling with your best furry friend in no time at all!
Check it out!
And our fourth resource for when you are ready to take your SUP and your pup abroad...
One of the best ways to enjoy time on your SUP with your dog friend is by heading on an ultimate adventure vacation. In the wild you can spend time together exploring new places and seeing the sites.
There are many destinations around the world that can accommodate both of your interests.
But to understand where you will find the best places in Europe, check out this list of the 12 best dog friendly travel destinations. From London to Italy to Switzerland, find the best places to travel with your dog to enjoy an adventure vacation you'll both never forget.
SUP With Your Pup
Much like how you learned to paddleboard, your pup is going to take a little time to get used to the feel of floating on the water.
But if you're dedicated to enjoying time with your doggo, then all you really need is a little patience and a bit of time.
Just keep trying until you both feel comfortable.
Want to find SUP club and SUP pup events near you? Check out our SUP search section on Perfect Paddles to find outfitters in your location. Follow to their site to see if they have any SUP pup lessons or clinics in the future. Or find a Paddle Buddy in your area to meet up and paddle with!
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