If you’re looking to share a beach adventure with your best canine companion there are plenty of activities you can dive into. From kayaking with your dog, to playing games on the shore, to exploring on a paddle board and more, there are endless ways to adventure together. Investing in the best paddle boards for dogs is a great way to explore marine environments together, and it provides a fun-filled excursion for you both. After a few short trips together, you’ll both be SUP (stand up paddleboard) masters in no time!
Because paddle boards come in a variety of styles, and with an assortment of features, it can be overwhelming to choose which to invest in. To help you navigate the options available on the market today, we’ve created this simple guide to get you and your dog on the water as soon as possible.
Here are 5 of the best products available and a buyer’s guide for choosing the right option for you and your dog:
Comparison Chart
The 5 Best Paddle Boards for Dogs Reviewed
1. Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Review
The Roc inflatable SUP includes a host of convenient features along with a stable and durable build for reliability on the water. Made of high quality military grade materials, this lightweight board is both heavy-duty for marine adventures and convenient to carry for transport to and from your destination. The extra wide design of this SUP provides ample room for both you and your canine companion, and suits paddlers of all skill levels. Suitable for ocean paddling, freshwater lakes and rivers, this board gives you plenty of versatility in your and your dog’s adventures.
Weighing only 17.5 pounds, this board is 10’ long, 32’’ wide and 6’’ thick. Along with a lightweight design, it also has a hefty 275 pound weight limit to ensure both you and your dog can ride comfortably and safely. The non-slip traction pad along the face of the board is great for added traction and grip on the go. Additionally, this SUP package includes a collapsible aluminum paddle, a convenient safety leash, a high capacity hand pump for easy inflation, a waterproof bag for carrying valuables, and a travel backpack to carry all of your gear. This handy package offers both comfort and convenience while exploring, and ensures you have everything you need for a paddling adventure.
The Roc inflatable SUP comes in a variety of color designs and offers your worry-free investing through providing a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost.
PROS
CONS
2. SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Review
The wide design of the SereneLife SUP is great for improved stability and balance while standing and paddling. This board is 10’ long and 30’’ wide which offers comfortable room for both you and your dog to ride throughout your adventure. The triple bottom panel fins are designed to help improve the overall speed on the water, along with your handling and steering. This superior maneuverability of this board is ideal for all skill levels, including teens, children and adults. Additionally, because of the lightweight and inflatable design this board is easy to transport to and from the shore. It’s also quick and easy to inflate and deflate for storage.
Along with a stable ride and convenient maneuvering, the non-slip traction soft top deck on this SUP is great for learning and for preventing accidents on the water. Along with added grip for you, the non-slip pads also provide your dog with ultimate traction while riding. Because this board is suitable for lakes, rivers and the ocean, it’s a fun piece of equipment that can join you and your pooch on a variety of adventures. Additionally, it comes with a host of paddling essentials to make your boarding adventures the best yet. This kit includes a coiled ankle safety leash, an oar pedal, a manual air pump, a patch repair accessory kit and a convenient storage bag for easy transporting.
The SereneLife stand up paddle board is a high quality, convenient and budget friendly product that’s designed to improve your paddling experience.
PROS
CONS
3. Atoll Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Review
This 11’ long, 32’’ wide and 6’’ thick stand up paddle board includes a host of convenient features and a heavy-duty design that’s ideal for an adventure with your best canine companion. The Atoll inflatable SUP is made of military grade PVC, offering a lighter weight design at only 21 pounds. It’s also wrapped with a second layer of protection on the top and bottom which creates a stiff, rigid and sturdy board for ultimate stability on the water. Featuring 15 D-rings on the deck for attaching gear, including kayak seats and marine coolers, is great for carrying or towing along all of your paddling essentials. With a heavy weight limit of 400 pounds, this board offers plenty of stability in carrying both you and your dog on marine adventures.
Along with a durable and convenient build, this SUP also comes standard with a high pressure bravo dual action hand pump for easy inflation both when pushing down and when pulling up. It also includes front bungee tie downs for holding gear securely while exploring, and an upgraded travel and storage backpack for convenient transport. In addition, it comes with a black fiberglass adjustable and lightweight paddle which both floats and features a nylon blade, and a secure paddle leash. The detachable and durable fin is removable and compatible with all universal fin boxes, and the sleek heavy-duty travel bag is large enough to fit your pump, paddle and your board.
To ensure a worry-free purchase, this SUP includes a 2 year manufacturers warranty. These boards are covered for any workmanship or material defect issues for 2 years after your purchase.
PROS
CONS
4. Peak Expedition Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Review
The Peak Expedition inflatable SUP is a durable and lightweight board style that’s 11’ long, 32’’ wide and 6’’ thick. This board design offers a wide stance for ultimate stability on the water and a hybrid nose that’s great for touring, snorkeling and more in all weather conditions. Weighing in at only 19.5 pounds when inflated, this board is super lightweight and easy to transport. The soft EVA deck pad provides additional comfort for both you and your best 4-legged friend, plus room for your paddling gear essentials. The weight capacity on this board is up to 275 pounds, and it comes in a variety of color choices to best suit your aesthetic preference and personality. Additionally, the design of this board and it’s stability are ideal for both those novice to the sport and those more experienced, which is ideal for bringing a pup along on your excursion.
The tough military grade PVC construction is puncture-resistant, meaning you’ll have to worry less about dings, damages or punctures from your dog’s nails. This paddling boarding kit includes a variety of convenient accessories to make your paddling adventures the best yet. It comes with a handy paddle, a coil safety leash, a high pressure pump, a fin, a waterproof phone case, and a travel backpack for carrying all of your gear. The included pump makes inflation a breeze, and the convenient carrying bag is ideal for transport to and from the shore, especially when you’re also holding onto your dog’s leash. Additionally, the nose and tail carrying handles add extra convenience on the go.
For a worry-free purchase and risk-free return, this SUP comes with a 30 day guarantee and a 1 year manufacturer warranty on the materials.
PROS
CONS
5. THURSO SURF Waterwalker Paddle Board
Review
The THURSO SURF Waterwalker is a highly rated and reviewed all-around inflatable SUP that’s made for paddlers of all skill levels. The traditional design of this board provides excellent stability on the water and maneuvering through it, making it great for both advanced paddlers and those novice to the sport. From paddle board surfing, SUP yoga, snorkeling and more, this convenient and heavy-duty is great for a variety of fun water sports. Featuring a double layer construction with triple military grade PVC coatings on the deck and sides, this board has the ultimate reinforcement to ensure it’s longevity for many adventures to come. This durable and quality build is great for holding up while your dog rides, ensuring you won’t face any accidental tears, puncture or damages. Additionally, this board is ultra lightweight which is ideal for carrying to and from your destination, especially when you’ve got a leashed dog in hand.
This stand up paddle board kit includes a carbon shaft paddle that’s noted to be more durable than both aluminum and fiberglass. Weighing only 2 pounds, this paddle also floats to prevent it from sinking if you drop it overboard. The 3 piece construction of this paddle makes it highly portable and easy to transport, and it’s adjustable from 68’’ to 84’’ to suit your particular needs. Additionally, the blade on this paddle is made of a tough nylon composite and a venter rib to prevent warping under high pressure or strain.
Along with a durable paddle to keep your adventure with your canine companion rolling, this board also features 3 removable fins, which also allows you to choose between 2 different set-ups. Utilizing these fins gives the board maximum stability on the water and allows for great maneuvering through it, making it an ideal option for rougher waters like the ocean. Additionally, to ensure your investment is a worry-free one, THURSO SURF inflatable paddle boards come with a 2 year full warranty to ensure your board is protected for many excursions with your dog in the future.
PROS
CONS
Choosing a Paddle Boards for Dogs: Buyer’s Guide
Keeping your dog comfortable and safe while paddle boarding requires investing in the right gear and ensuring you know how to use it. Our canine companions deserve the best, after all, and when choosing the right SUP for your adventures there are a few criteria you’ll need to consider. First, you’ll want to determine:
- Your Skill Level
- Your Dog’s Weight and Size
- Your Dog’s Temperament, Energy and Personality
Certain paddle boards will be easier for your dog to ride than others, and by choosing the right option for your needs you’ll make sure they can handle your adventure with ease.
Here are features you’ll want to search for when choosing the best paddle board for your adventures with your dog:
Weight Capacity
Most stand up paddle boards have a buoyancy level that supports a weight of 250 pounds or more, and this capacity needs to suit your particular needs to keep yourself and your dog safe. Typically smaller than average boards will provide less support and feature lower weight capacity, while longer boards tend to have a higher weight limit. While a paddle board with a weight capacity of 275 pounds may seem like a lot, there are many factors to consider. First, you’ll need to consider your body weight and the weight of your dog. This becomes especially important if you have a larger or heavier dog who will add a significant amount of weight to your board. Additionally, you’ll need to know an approximate weight of your paddling gear and take that into consideration when choosing the right capacity for your needs.
If you invest in a stand up paddle board that isn’t suited to carry the weight of you, your dog and your gear, safety concerns and board damage can quickly occur. To prevent this from happening take into consideration the following things when choosing a weight capacity from your new board:
- Weight of Your Body
- Weight of Your Dog
- Weight of Your Paddling Gear
Non-Slip Traction
The grip on the deck of your paddle board will not only determine your stability on the water, but also your dogs. Dogs will have a hard time balancing on the SUP without proper traction, so you’ll need to choose a product that features plenty of grip for the both of you. If the deck of a paddle board is slippery, your dog could easily fall into the water, causing a major inconvenience and also possibly a safety hazard. To prevent this, invest in a board with proper traction or purchase an aftermarket traction pad, like the PUNT SURF Customizable Deck Grip. This product allows you a customized grip for your dog in the area of the board that you need it most.
- Bring Your Best Friend Along for the Adventure: Just when you thought your sessions couldn't get any better, the PUNT SURF Dog Deck allows you to take your pooch standup paddleboarding with this traction pad for dogs! Dogs love sitting on the soft, secure grip of the doggy deck designed just for them.
- Fits Any Sup: You can arrange, trim (if necessary) and peel & stick these 4 pieces to fit the nose of your board. This diamond-grooved pad is 23.5in x 18in.
- Unbeatable Quality: We only use premium 3M adhesive direct from the source and marine-grade, ultralight diamond grooved EVA foam.
- Punt Surf 100% Stoke Guarantee: Our traction pads will stick forever on your board or your money back, no questions asked. We're a homegrown company from California, and our mission is to provide premium boarding accessories for all. We love being on our boards, and are always pushing our products to the limit to ensure they're the best out there. We're confident you'll be stoked!
- Love Our Planet, Choose Punt Surf: For us, making premium products for all isn't enough. We are a highly environmentally conscious company that cares about giving back. As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, we donate a portion of every sale to nonprofits dedicated to protecting our oceans and environment.
SUP Deck Surface Area
There are 3 measurements you’ll want to consider when choosing the proper stand up paddle board dimensions for your paddling needs:
- Length of Board
- Width of Board
- Thickness of Board
As with choosing a weight capacity that suits the size of your dog, you should also choose a deck that will comfortably fit them with room to spare. The average paddle board size tends to be 10’ long by 30’’ wide, which provides ample space for exploring. However, when exploring with your best canine companion more space is always better. This becomes especially important if you have a dog who will want to wander around the deck while paddling, or if you plan to bring a considerable amount of gear on your adventure. Additionally, more space on your paddle board provides you more room to spread out and sun tan, take advantage of an on-the-water workout, practice SUP yoga, and more.
SUP Construction Materials
The materials used in the construction of your stand up paddle board will determine both its durability and longevity on your water adventures. Because your dog will create additional wear and tear to the board, the materials used in its design need to be heavy-duty enough to withstand dog nails and their movement around the board. Many paddle boards are made of the following materials:
- PVC
- EVA
- Fiberglass
When choosing the best SUP for your next adventure, ensure it’s made of quality and durable materials to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. This also prevents safety hazards on the water if your board were to puncture or be damaged on the go.
Paddle Board Stability
The stability of your paddle board will help determine your dog’s balance while exploring the open water. Along with quality non-slip traction, a stable board is essential to a comfortable, secure and safe ride. While dogs tend to be eager to venture out onto the water with you, it may be hard to keep them still on the board. By choosing a stand up paddle board that has maximum stability, you’ll ensure your dog has an easy and pleasant ride, and that they don’t go tumbling into the water.
What You Will Need to Paddle Board With Your Dog
Aside from a quality and reliable paddle board, you’ll also need to bring other dog essentials to keep your best 4-legged friend safe and comfortable throughout the day. To find a guide to the best paddle boarding gear for yourself, check out our article: What to Wear Paddle Boarding. Along with the right apparel and other paddling essentials, like a cooler and a quality lifejacket, you’ll also need to pack the following items for your dog:
- Quality Deck Traction Grip
- Dog PFD (Pooch Flotation Device)
- Dog-Safe Sunscreen
- Ample Fresh and Clean Water
- Travel Bowl or Dog Water Bottle
- Dog Treats or Food
- Quality Dry Bag for Safely Storing Gear
- Sunglasses or Dog Goggles
Additionally, any marine adventure with your canine companion isn’t complete without a reliable and functional dog first aid kit. A quality kit like the RC Pet Products First Aid Kit is essential for accidents on the go, and will make all the difference in emergency situations. Invest in a pet first aid kit, and ensure it’s packed on every adventure, to keep your dog as safe as possible while paddle boarding.
- Allows you to assist your pets injuries until you can consult a veterinarian
- Kit organizes supplies and instructions into clear vinyl pockets for easy access
- Great for your car, house, traveling and more
- Contents include bandages, gloves, gauze pads, antiseptic and more
- See full list of contents below
Final Thoughts
When sharing a fun paddle boarding adventure with your canine companion it’s important to invest in gear that’s designed to do so. Choosing a quality board requires a bit of research, but we’re here to help. Here at Seaside Planet we’re both adventure lovers and dog lovers, and our goal with this guide is to help you hit the water with your best 4-legged friend as soon as possible. Use this guide for the 5 best SUPs on the market and a buyer’s guide for choosing which is right for you to get adventuring in no time!
Has this guide helped you choose the right paddle board for your next adventure with your dog? We would love to hear from you- share it with us in the comment section below!
Megan Jones leads the editorial staff of Seaside Planet. They are a multidisciplinary team of outdoor adventurers, water sports lovers, and passionate beach goers. You can learn more about Meg and the rest of the editorial team here.
