Dog-Friendly Paddleboarding

Posted by Billy Francis

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) can be both an adventurous and relaxing way to get out on the water with your dog. Best enjoyed on calm rivers, creeks, lakes and bays, the popular sport is perfect for exercise or meditation, or for activities like yoga and fishing with Fido. It’s time to paddle with your pup at one of these dog-friendly SUP companies.

Three Brothers Boards

Daytona Beach, FL
Who says three’s a crowd? Photo by Facebook.com/threebrothersboards

Three Brothers Boards is one of the most popular tours in Daytona Beach, and it’s not hard to see why. 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. Classes are $65 per adult, and pets SUP for free. Don’t forget to bring a canine life vest for Fido.

Enjoy ocean views and close proximity to all of dog-friendly Daytona Beach at Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Lake George Kayak Co.

Bolton Landing, NY
“Don’t expect me to do the paddling.” Photo by Facebook.com/LakeGeorgeKayakCo

No experience is necessary when you arrive with Fido for a day of paddling at Lake George Kayak Co. in New York’s Adirondacks. Whether you’re new to the sport or just want to improve your paddling efficiency and build confidence, book a session with a skilled instructor before heading out on your own on Lake George. Beginners can also book The Hobie Eclipse, a wider-than-normal paddleboard with a hull and handlebars to help with stability. The on-site store offers paddling gear and supplies, including canine life jackets, to help make your time on the water memorable. SUP rentals start at $30 for an hour and increase up to $85 for a full day. The Hobie Eclipse is $75 for an hour. Lessons can be scheduled for an additional fee and Fido paddles for free.

Book this Unique Bolton Landing Cabin and spend more time on the water with the kayaks and paddleboards provided, or simply relax with Fido around the outdoor fire pit instead.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte, NC
That face you make after a good SUP adventure. Photo by Facebook.com/usnwc/

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. SUP rates are $35 per person, and dogs paddle for free. Bring a life jacket for Fido, or purchase one in their Outfitters store.

After a day of paddling, rest up at this three-bedroom home on the Catawba River with water views and a gated deck for Fido to soak up the sun off leash.

Aqua Adventures Kayaks & Paddleboards

San Diego, CA
“Last one in the water loves cats!” Photo by @aqua_adventures

Aqua Adventures is ideally situated between the off-leash Original Dog Beach and Fiesta Island, two of the best dog beaches on the West Coast, 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. Rentals start at $30 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. Before hitting the water, fuel up with a big breakfast from Daybreak Island Grill.

After a day on the water, a visit to the dog wash station at Ocean Villa Inn is a must. Guests who reserve a park side or park view room also have easy access to the hotel’s dog run.

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe

Bend, OR
"Mush, human!" Photo by Facebook.com/TumaloCreek

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 including 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. 10 Barrel is one of the most popular breweries along the route, serving a variety of beers and pub grub at their pet-friendly outdoor tables. Rentals at Tumalo Creek 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.

Steps away from the Deschutes River Trail, this comfortable home is located near the best of Bend’s dog-friendly action.

Bow Valley SUP

Banff, AB
Paddling in paradise. Photo by Kathy Wong

Daring dogs who love the great outdoors may already know about Banff. This Alberta resort town 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, glide across the picturesque lake surrounded by Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade. More experienced pups can tag along on a sunrise or full moon night tour. Day tours are offered three days a week on alternate mornings, and sunrise tours take place on Saturdays. The trips last 1-1.5 hours. Take an Intro to SUP class for $89, or rent a paddleboard for a half day for $40. Pups always paddle for free.

Float gently to sleep at nearby Quality Resort Chateau Canmore and grab a taco dinner on the patio of Cabeza Grande.

"What do you mean, it's over?" Photo by Facebook.com/Lazy-Dog

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, and manatees. 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. SUP rentals start at $30 per person and SUP tours are $60 per person. Dogs paddle for free, and doggy life jackets are provided.

When Fido’s all paddled out, rest up at The Perry Hotel where he’ll have access to the on-site dog park. When you're feeling peckish, get a taste of the ocean at nearby Hogfish Bar & Grill, where they serve seared scallops, tuna tacos and more treats from the deep.

Epic Yoga Flow

Chicago, IL
Enjoying the wet and Windy City. Photo by Facebook.com/EpicYogaFlow

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. These private lessons last roughly an hour and cost $130 for one person and one dog, or $170 for two people and one dog. Doggy life jackets with handles are required but not provided.

Hotel Lincoln provides the “pawfect” setting for downward dogs to retire for the night.

Ohana Surf Project

Honolulu, HI
"Land ahoy!" Photo by Facebook.com/OhanaSurfProjectHawaii

“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. If you’re already experienced book a rental and head south of Honolulu to Waikiki and paddle with Fido at Gray’s (Halekulani) Beach or Royal-Moana Beach. Group SUP lessons start at $104 per person for two hours, private lessons are $125 for one hour, and individual rentals start at $30 for up to three hours on the water with your dog. Dogs should bring their own canine life vest.

Say aloha to ocean views at this incredible condo in paradise and snag a bite to eat with Fido at Barefoot Beach Cafe.

Ayers Creek Adventures

Berlin, MD
Finn is ridin’ solo. Photo by Facebook.com/ayerscreek

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 on a salt marsh or forested wetlands tour. SUP rentals range from $25 for one hour to $70 for the day. Tours are $45 to $50 per person. Dogs paddle for free.

When you're back in the historic downtown, reward yourself with some Fresh Rockfish Bites and Fried Hard Crab at Crabs To Go before pitching a tent with your pooch at nearby Frontier Town.

Have you tried stand up paddleboarding with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!