What’s SUP?
A recent article on Forbes noted that stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is the most rapidly growing watersport in the world. Not only is it an easy (sort of) sport, but also one you can enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is stay upright and afloat while propelling yourself and your pooch through the water with a paddle. What makes it more accessible than it’s gnarly older sister, surfing, is that it can be enjoyed on any type of water. If you want Fido to dog paddle(board) with you, call one of these dog-friendly SUP companies.
Three Brothers BoardsDaytona Beach, FL
Three Brothers Boards is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for tours in Daytona Beach, and it’s not hard to see why. Their paddleboard tours cater to adventurers ranging in age from six to 84. Every trip starts with an on-the-ground demonstration and lessons to help beginners get a feel for the boards (they have kayaks if Fido doesn’t take to it). You'll then venture out into the calm bay before circling an island and finishing up at canals where manatees and dolphins frequently hang out. If you like the feel of the glossy boards used on the tours and crafted by Three Brothers, browse their collection and take one home with you.
Three Brothers Boards is located at 212 S. Beach Street, Suite 100 in Daytona Beach, FL. Classes are $55 per person, and pets SUP for free. Don’t forget to bring a canine life vest for Fido. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
U.S. National Whitewater CenterCharlotte, NC
Widely regarded as the epicenter for whitewater activities in the U.S., the National Whitewater Center offers plenty of water-based activities to enjoy with your pooch, including SUP rentals. Paddle down the Catawba River together, make a detour at Long Creek and circle around Sadler Island, a pretty little sandbar. Back on dry land, you and your furry friend are welcome to explore 40 miles of hiking trails on the property. If all that exercise whets your appetite, grab a bite to eat at River's Edge Bar and Grill. The restaurant's pet-friendly patio offers front-seat views of the whitewater rapids. Dogs who want to boogie are also allowed to attend River Jam, a concert series held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from May through September.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is located at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway in Charlotte, NC. SUP rates are $30 per person, and dogs are free. Bring a life jacket for Fido, or purchase one in their outfitters store. You can paddle daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tumalo Creek Kayak & CanoeBend, OR
Paddle down one of the most scenic sections of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon like Native Americans and early settlers did for hundreds of years (though probably not on a paddleboard). Located on the banks of the river in the Old Mill District of Bend, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offers a variety of rentals for fun on the water, but we’re here for the paddleboards. In addition to renting the equipment, they hold classes for novice two- and four-legged paddlers. After your aquatic adventure, enjoy a well-earned stroll with Fido along the Bend Ale Trail. Barrel is one of the most popular breweries along the route, serving a variety of beers and pub grub on their pet-friendly outdoor tables.
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe is located at 805 SW Industrial Way in Bend, OR. Rental prices start at $40 and include a board, life jacket and paddle. A canine life jacket is available to rent for an additional $10. The fee for basic training is $55 per human and dog duo. Classes are held Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the summer, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon in the spring and fall.
Bow Valley SUPBanff, AB
Daring dogs who love the great outdoors may already know about Banff. This Alberta resort town nestled in the Canadian Rockies is justifiably famous for its stunning Two Jack Lake. It's an idyllic destination for a dog-friendly SUP tour, and you can start your adventure at Bow Valley SUP Surf. After an introductory class from a Paddle Canada-certified guide, glide across the picturesque lake surrounded by Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade. More experienced SUP pups can tag along on a morning or sunset tour. Day tours are offered three days a week on alternate mornings, and sunset tours take place on Fridays. The trips last 1-1.5 hours.
Bow Valley SUP Surf is located at 621 8 Street in Canmore, CA. Classes are $75 and tours cost $69. Fido floats for free. Humans are provided with all necessary equipment, but you’ll need to bring a doggy life jacket. When booking online, specify that you are bringing your pooch.
Lazy DogKey West, FL
There’s nothing quite like exploring the crystal-clear waters of Key West on a pet-friendly SUP. Just ask the folks at Lazy Dog. The company logo was inspired by Camillo, the original Lazy Dog who loved nothing more than paddleboarding in the Keys. Trace her footsteps through creeks and shallows, keeping an eye out for jellyfish, conch, sea cucumbers, stingrays, manatees and even the occasional shark! Tourists can join a two-hour guided tour or rent a paddleboard and head out alone. The staff will give you tips on how to get Fido on the board safely and equip you with a handy map to navigate your own six-legged adventure. After your adventure on the sea, stop by the nearby pet-friendly seafood restaurant Hurricane Hole for some grub straight off the boat and a view of the water from the deck.
Lazy Dog is located at 5114 Overseas Highway in Key West, FL. SUP rentals start at $30 per person. Tours and an introduction to SUP are $50 per person, and private lessons are available for $75 per person. Dogs paddle for free, and doggy life jackets are provided. Lazy Dog is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aqua Adventures Kayaks & PaddleboardsSan Diego, CA
Aqua Adventures is ideally situated between the off-leash Original Dog Beach and Fiesta Island in sunny San Diego. The experts here will help you plan your route and get the hang of the basics before letting you loose on the water in beautiful Mission Bay. Once you’ve caught the SUP bug, extend your visit at a Luv Surf vacation home. Specialists in dog-friendly accommodations, they provide canine guests with dog beds, water bowls, leashes and food. Luv Surf also owns The Patio on Lamont Street a nearby pet-friendly restaurant where doggie diners are given gourmet biscuits and first-class service at the outdoor tables.
Aqua Adventures is located at 1548 Quivira Way in San Diego, CA. Rentals start at $25 for 90 minutes and increase by $5 every additional 30 minutes (with or without a pet). Human and dog life jackets are provided free of charge. They're open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Epic Yoga FlowChicago, IL
Located just north of Chicago’s bustling downtown is the canine oasis of Montrose Dog Beach. While Fido might love frolicking in the sand, why not get out on the water? Dogs of all ages are invited to SUP with Epic Yoga Flow on the calm waters of Lake Michigan. This unique company specializes in all things yoga, both on land and on the water. As well as keeping the good people of Chicago Zen, they offer SUP With Your Pup classes. Lessons include the paddleboard rental, helpful tips on how to stay afloat and a guided tour of the lake. No experience is required, although Fido must be confident in the water to participate.
Epic Yoga Flow is located at 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL. Lessons last roughly an hour and cost $60 per person and dog for a group session, or $120 for a private lesson. Doggy life jackets with handles are required but not provided.
Stand Up Surf School by MakoaBarcelona, ES
Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain, is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Tourists come from all over to enjoy the coastal cuisine, historic architecture and arts district. To get a different view of the city, visit the Stand Up Surf School by Makoa on the Balearic Sea. The first SUP school in Barcelona has taught thousands of would-be paddlers how to enjoy life on the open water. Their SUP with Pet class will teach you and your canine friend how to handle a board together. Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore the area near the coastline and enjoy Barcelona's beaches and picturesque vistas.
Stand Up Surf School by Makoa is located in the Base Náutica Municipal de Barcelona on Ronda Litoral, Barcelona, Spain. Individual classes are 40 EUR per person for a 90-minute session, or 20 EUR per person if there are eight or more in your party. Fortunately for Fido, there’s no pet fee. School is in session daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SUP KentuckyLexington, KY
Exploring Kentucky’s caves and crevices isn’t just for landlubbers. SUP Kentucky offers eco-friendly tours of the Bluegrass State and the surrounding area on paddleboards. Their hour-long Cumberland Falls Tour takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, considered by many to be the Niagara of the South. This tour is also available at night, lit by the light of the moon and lanterns on the paddleboards.
Another mini adventure leads to Grayson Grotto. The three-hour tour glides alongside mossy sandstone cliffs to numerous waterfalls on Far Clifty Creek. Behind Hidden Falls, you and Fido can paddle into a crack in the sandstone and enter a secret cove. For a longer expedition, sign up for the Red River Gorge Adventure Weekend, which explores the eerie caves of Kentucky.
SUP Kentucky is mobile but based in Lexington, KY. Hour-long trips are $50 and the three-hour jaunt to Grayson Grotto is $75. Weekend trips start at $300. Prices include group photos and experienced guides, but you need to bring your own doggy life vest.
Active360London, GB
Active360 offers big-city paddleboard tours unlike any other on our list. Their dog-friendly trips include visits to Kew Bridge, built in 1903; Brentford Lock, a former shipment point between the Great Western Railway and barges on the River Thames; Paddington, an inner city adventure; and Richmond, an affluent neighborhood near Kew Gardens. Groups can paddle down busy waterways lined with skyscrapers, float under bridges built over 100 years ago, and join the rows of quintessentially British houseboats on the winding canals of the Big Smoke. You can also rent a board for anywhere from two hours to a weekend or more. Keep an eye out for sociable seals who may pop up to say hello or even hitch a ride on your board (if Fido approves).
Active360 is located at Kew Bridge Arches, Strand-On-The-Green, London, England. Tours range in length and price, starting at £49 for 1.5 hours. Fees include expert training, a guided tour and all equipment for humans. Rentals are from £30 for two hours to £99 for a weekend. Pets paddle for free, and dog life vests are available for purchase.
South Tahoe Standup PaddleSouth Lake Tahoe, CA
Surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a year-round tourist destination. During the summer, swap your snowboard for a paddleboard at South Tahoe Standup Paddle. Their dog-friendly Rise and Shine Morning Tour departs daily at 8:30 a.m. and lasts two to three hours, depending on how many breaks you take. The calm, flat waters are excellent for beginners and provide the perfect canvas to paint a path with your paddle. Glance up and watch for bald eagles or stop for a quick walk with your pooch at the river trailhead. Guided lessons are offered to newbies, and SUP rentals are available for more experienced paddlers.
South Tahoe Standup Paddle tours depart from El Dorado Beach in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Tours include board rental, paddle, flotation device, leash, guide, tips, and a snack. The price is $87 per person, with a two-person minimum required. Doggy life jackets are not provided.
Ohana Surf ProjectHonolulu, HI
It wouldn’t be a pet-friendly SUP list without Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing and modern-day paddleboarding. “Ohana” means family in Hawaiian, and Fido is certainly part of the family at Ohana Surf Project. Catch the waves with a qualified SUP instructor in front of Queen’s Surf Beach in Honolulu. You can take private lessons or group classes that teach basic and advanced SUP techniques. Experienced paddlers can go solo, with rentals ranging from a few hours to 10 days. Extend your stay and tour the islands’ famed SUP spots. Just south of Honolulu is Waikiki, a tourist paradise that was once home to Hawaiian royalty. Fido can join you on Gray’s (Halekulani) Beach and Royal-Moana Beach, among other pet-friendly beaches.
Ohana Surf Project is located at 2699 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, HI. Lessons are held daily at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m., and rentals are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Group SUP lessons start at $60 per person for an hour and $90 for two hours. Private lessons are $120 for one hour and $175 for two hours. Individual rentals start at $30 for up to four hours on the water with your dog. Dogs should bring their own canine life vest.
Ayers Creek AdventuresBerlin, MD
Berlin's tree-lined streets, Victorian town center and historic homes invite tourists to step back in time. Visit during the summer months when you can enjoy SUPping with your pup along the winding waterways of Ayers Creek. Dog-friendly paddleboard rentals from Ayers Creek Adventures include a brief lesson, a water trail map and a guide to the local wildlife.
You can also have your paddleboard dropped off at Sinepuxent Bay, an inland waterway connecting Chincoteague Bay to Isle of Wight Bay. Trips out on the water often include sightings of bald eagles, herons and egrets. Rentals are available for dogs and humans who want to explore on their own, or you can join one of two tours available by request. When you're back in the historic downtown, reward yourself with a shrimp po’boy on the outdoor patio at Fins Ale House & Raw Bar.
Ayers Creek Adventures is located at 8628 Grey Fox Lane in Berlin, MD. SUP rentals range from $25 for one hour to $70 for the day. Dogs paddle for free. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. During the off-season, tours are by appointment between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fido has to bring his own life jacket.
