SUP With Your Pup
Can pets also travel on my stand up paddle board? Absolutely. In fact SUP with your pup has become a favorite group outing. Before loading your Great Dane, Python or Goldfish up there are a few considerations.
Is your pet comfortable around water? Not all pets enjoy the water and at the end of the day we want them to have fun too. Aside from being uncomfortable some pets are afraid of the water. No one knows your pet better than you do. When you bathe your pet does it like being in the water? This is usually a good indication.
Is your pet social? Before you set out tossup with your pup consider you will likely be around other humans, possibly other pets and potentially wildlife. If you pet chases other animals or people it may try to do so while paddling. This could be dangerous for you, others or your pet.
Don’t forget your PFD or your pet’s PFD. Authorities require animals to have a PFD and can issue a ticket for not having one, usually a sizeable ticket. Most pet shops can assist you with sizing a PFD for your pet. Resist the temptation to use a leash while paddling or tethering your pet to the board. If they fall or jump off simply pick them out of the water and return them to the board.
Is your pet comfortable around water? Not all pets enjoy the water and at the end of the day we want them to have fun too. Aside from being uncomfortable some pets are afraid of the water. No one knows your pet better than you do. When you bathe your pet does it like being in the water? This is usually a good indication.
Is your pet social? Before you set out tossup with your pup consider you will likely be around other humans, possibly other pets and potentially wildlife. If you pet chases other animals or people it may try to do so while paddling. This could be dangerous for you, others or your pet.
Don’t forget your PFD or your pet’s PFD. Authorities require animals to have a PFD and can issue a ticket for not having one, usually a sizeable ticket. Most pet shops can assist you with sizing a PFD for your pet. Resist the temptation to use a leash while paddling or tethering your pet to the board. If they fall or jump off simply pick them out of the water and return them to the board.
Tethering can cause dangerous conditions where your pet could be held under water beneath the board in the event the board capsizes or pull you over. Feel free to bring along a leash to get to and from your vehicle or to use at a rest point, although, small islands are usually a great place to let them run around if uninhabited.
Hydrate not only yourself but your pet as well. Collapsible bowls work well to give your pet a drink.
The area toward the front of the mat works well as a seating area as it keeps them close and away from the paddle as it moves from side to side. Some pets feel more comfortable at the nose of the board. You can offset their weight by positioning yourself a few inches further rearward than you would normally stand.
Take a trial run and see how they do before setting out on an all day adventure. The most important thing to remember when you SUP with your pup is to have fun. Your pet will enjoy themselves more when they are relaxed and comfortable. As both of you grow more accustomed to paddling two up you can venture further. Smaller pets, less than 20lbs, can be carried easily on a smaller board such as the Three Brothers boards 10’6” Blondie. Larger pets may feel more at home on a larger board such as the Three Brothers boards 12’ Jason Ryan.
Wherever your adventure leads, be safe and prepared and have fun when you SUP with your pup.
Hydrate not only yourself but your pet as well. Collapsible bowls work well to give your pet a drink.
The area toward the front of the mat works well as a seating area as it keeps them close and away from the paddle as it moves from side to side. Some pets feel more comfortable at the nose of the board. You can offset their weight by positioning yourself a few inches further rearward than you would normally stand.
Take a trial run and see how they do before setting out on an all day adventure. The most important thing to remember when you SUP with your pup is to have fun. Your pet will enjoy themselves more when they are relaxed and comfortable. As both of you grow more accustomed to paddling two up you can venture further. Smaller pets, less than 20lbs, can be carried easily on a smaller board such as the Three Brothers boards 10’6” Blondie. Larger pets may feel more at home on a larger board such as the Three Brothers boards 12’ Jason Ryan.
Wherever your adventure leads, be safe and prepared and have fun when you SUP with your pup.
