Learn How To Paddleboard With Your Dog In 6 Easy Steps

Set up with your dog closeby 

When it comes to how to paddleboard with your dog, the most important piece of advice to remember is to get your dog used to the board as much as possible, before you head out on the water. So, when you're inflating your SUP and getting everything ready to launch, keep your dog close by, encouraging them to take interest in the SUP, and getting them used to the sound of the pump. 

Get on/off the board on land 

Another useful tip for how to paddleboard with your dog is to train them to get on and off the board, once it’s been inflated and whilst you're still on land. Encouraging them onto the SUP using a treat or a ball (whatever works best for your dog) so that they get used to being on the SUP. It’s important to practice this stage of how to paddleboard with your dog on land, so that they feel comfortable and safe once you’re out on the water. 

Ease your way into the water

The next step in how to paddleboard with your dog is to place your board half in the water and half on land. It’s easiest to practice at the beach or lake where you can lay your SUP flat, half in the water and half on the sand. This is an important step in learning how to paddleboard with your dog as it gets them used to being on the SUP when it’s in the water. You can encourage them onto the board in the same way that you do on land, using a treat or their favourite toy.

Get them a buoyancy aid

Safety is key when you’re learning how to paddleboard with your dog, which is why it’s essential that your dog is wearing a buoyancy aid (and that you yourself are wearing the necessary paddle clothing and safety gear). This is to ensure that they will stay safe in the event that they end up in the water. Our specialist Dog Buoyancy Aids are made from durable, tear-resistant Cordura® fabric, with strategically placed foam lining to support key body areas. Four easy to use grab handles allow you to lift your dog out of the water quickly and easily, whilst reflective detailing helps you to spot them in low light conditions. Before you head out on the water, make sure you’ve fitted your dog with the correct size buoyancy aid so that they’ll be safe and comfortable on your SUP adventure.

Start by paddling on your knees

So you’ve got your gear sorted and you’ve practiced getting your dog on and off the board. Now, it’s time to get out on the water and enjoy your SUP. A really useful tip for learning how to paddleboard with your dog is to start by paddling on your knees with your dog sitting on the board in front of you. This will provide you both with more stability as your dog gets used to the water, and will allow you to keep an eye on them.

Progress to stand up paddleboarding

As you get more used to paddleboarding with your dog, you can start to stand up on the board and head out on longer adventures together. It’s best to start paddling in flat and calm water conditions with your dog, where conditions are easier to handle as you practice your skills, before heading out to the sea or on longer expeditions.