Can you go stand-up paddling with a dog?
Yes, you can go stand-up paddling with your dog if it is used to water, can stay calm on the board and you get it used to the SUP gradually. The key things are a stable board, a well-fitting dog life jacket, short practice sessions and a safe start in shallow water.
SUP with your dog can be a wonderful thing to do together. Your dog is close to you, you are both out in nature and moving on the water together. At the same time, paddle boarding with a dog is not something to ‘just try’ on the spur of the moment. Without preparation your dog can get nervous, the board can tip over or the first trip can be stressful for both of you.
At HEIUKI, dogs are generally welcome and can come along on your SUP trip. There are a few locations where dogs are not allowed, because of the place where the station is – for example when it is inside a lido. You will always find this information on the HEIUKI page of each location.
In this guide you will find out whether your dog is suited to SUP, what equipment you need, how to get your dog used to the board step by step and which safety rules to follow.
Is your dog suited to SUP?
In short: your dog is suited to stand-up paddling if it is healthy, trusts you, responds to basic commands and is not very afraid of water. Most importantly, your dog needs to stay calm even when the board moves.
Not every dog has to love SUP. Some dogs are thrilled, others find the wobbly board unpleasant. What matters is not the breed but your dog’s character, health and experience.
Which dogs are particularly well suited to stand-up paddling?
Dogs are particularly well suited to SUP if they:
- like to stay close to you
- calm down easily
- don’t avoid water
- respond to commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ or ‘wait’
- don’t jump after every bird, boat or other dog
- are physically fit and agile
Small and medium-sized dogs are often easier to position on the board. But larger dogs can learn stand-up paddling too, as long as the board is big, stable and strong enough.
When should you not take your dog on a SUP?
Don’t take your dog on a SUP if it is terrified of water, unwell or hard to control. Postpone the trip in very hot weather, strong wind, when thunderstorms are likely or on rough water.
Take particular care with:
- very young dogs
- older dogs with joint problems
- dogs with breathing problems
- very overweight dogs
- anxious or very hyperactive dogs
- dogs that don’t reliably respond to you
If you are not sure whether your dog is physically up to it, check with your vet first.
Can your dog come on a SUP with HEIUKI?
In short: yes, at HEIUKI dogs are generally welcome and can come along stand-up paddling. There are only a few exceptions at individual locations where the venue does not allow dogs.
That can be the case, for example, when a HEIUKI station is on a site where dogs are not allowed for house-rule or safety reasons – a lido is a typical example. In those cases the restriction is not about the SUP rental but about the rules of the venue.
So always check the HEIUKI page of the location before your trip. It tells you whether dogs are allowed at that location or not.
Common mistakes when paddle boarding with a dog
In short: most problems happen because the dog is taken on the water too quickly, the equipment doesn’t fit or the first trip is planned too long. SUP with a dog works better if you train slowly and take safety seriously.
Mistake 1: going straight onto the water
Just because your dog likes swimming doesn’t mean it feels comfortable on a wobbly board. Get it used to the board with positive training first.
Mistake 2: not using a dog life jacket
Even good swimmers can get tired or startled. A dog life jacket gives extra safety and makes your dog easier to see.
Mistake 3: choosing a board that is too narrow
A narrow board tips more easily. With a dog on board you need more stability than when you paddle alone.
Mistake 4: planning too long a trip
Your first SUP session with your dog should be short. Your dog has a lot of new things to take in: water, movement, balance, noises and your paddle strokes.
Mistake 5: starting at a crowded spot
Other dogs, children, boats and busy swimming spots can overwhelm your dog. Choose a quiet place to start.
Mistake 6: ignoring signs of stress
If your dog keeps standing up, pants heavily, trembles or wants to get off the board, it isn’t being stubborn. It is a signal – take it seriously.
Conclusion: stand-up paddling with a dog takes preparation – then it is relaxing
Stand-up paddling with your dog can be a great experience to share. Your dog gets nature, closeness and exercise while you enjoy a relaxed time on the water. To keep it from becoming stressful, though, you need the right preparation.
Start slowly, practise on land first, use a well-fitting dog life jacket and choose a stable board. Pay attention to the weather, wind, heat and your dog’s signals. And check the HEIUKI page of the location before your trip, so you know for sure whether dogs are allowed there.
With patience, good equipment and a calm start, stand-up paddling with your dog becomes not only safer but also much more relaxed – for you and your four-legged friend.
Ready for your SUP trip with your dog?
At HEIUKI you can try stand-up paddling easily and take your dog along at most locations. Just check the location page beforehand, pack the right equipment and start with a short, relaxed session on the water.
