Paddling with a friend is the best way to enjoy the water, in my opinion. Sharing it with your four-legged friends can bring even more fun and excitement to your paddling adventures. For paddlers with disabilities, being able to bring a service dog can open up even more opportunities on the water.
We’ve compiled our favorite and best paddle boards for dogs. We chose these based on their weight capacity, stability, and dog-friendly features like larger or full-length deck pads.
When shopping for a paddleboard to share with your pup, it’s important to take a few different things into consideration.
How large is your dog? While a Teacup Chihuahua is small enough to fit on any board (and in many PFD pockets!), a Newfoundland complicate things on smaller boards. Remember to consider your dog’s weight when evaluating what paddleboard will work best for you and your dog.
How comfortable is your dog on the water? While some breeds are predisposed to having a great time in the water, others may not, and having a “water dog” still doesn’t guarantee your dog will immediately take to being on a paddle board. When paddling with a dog that is less comfortable on the water, you should opt for a larger board with more stability.
How well-trained is your dog? Well-trained dogs with basic obedience commands (come, sit, down, stay) are easier to work with on a SUP. More independent dogs can make paddle boarding difficult and will likely do better on larger boards for better stability.
Don’t forget doggy safety! Just like human paddlers, our canine friends should also have a properly-fitted PFD with a heavy-duty handle on the top. The handle makes it much easier to help your dog back onto your SUP after he goes for a swim.
Below are our favorite iSUPs for paddling with your dog. We chose these based on their weight capacity, stability, and dog-friendly features like larger or full-length deck pads.
Best Paddleboard for Dogs Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Top-Rated Paddleboards for Dogs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| iRocker Cruiser 7 | iRocker Cruiser 7 | 10'6” x 34" x 6" 24 pounds | 435 lbs | 3 years, 45-day return period | Read Review Check Price |
| Sea Gods Skylla | Sea Gods Skylla
| 11' x 33" x 6" 19.5 pounds | 350 lbs | 10 years, 30-day return period | Read Full ReviewCheck Price |
| Thurso Max Multi-Purpose | Thurso Max Multi-Purpose
| 11’6 x 34" x 6" 29 pounds | 370 lbs | 2-years, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Nixy Venice G5 | Nixy Venice G5
| 10’6” x 34" x 6" 23 pounds | 400 lbs | 2 years, 30-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Best Price |
| Glide O2 Retro 3.0 | Glide O2 Retro 3.0
| 10’6” x 33.5" x 6" 21.8 pounds | 400 lbs | 10 years, 60-day return period | Read Review Check Best Price |
iRocker Cruiser 7.0
10’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: International Availability
Read Full Review Here
iRocker’s Cruiser inflatable paddle board has been one of our top recommendations for beginners and larger paddlers for a while. The new seventh-generation iRocker Cruiser 7.0 brings even more stability and room to the waterfront by expanding to a full 34” width.
The clean deck and wide shape make the Cruiser 7.0 a great choice for active dogs who like to run around rather than sit still when paddling. There’s plenty of room for both of you to enjoy the water comfortably, and the dual-layer fusion PVC shell is extremely durable.
Bottom Line:The iRocker Cruiser 7.0 is an extra stable paddle board great for beginners with dogs.
Sea Gods Skylla
11’ x 33” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN, AUS, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
The Sea Gods Skylla blends cruiser-like stability with touring efficiency. Its Cross-Weave (CX) construction keeps it incredibly lightweight but still very stiff and durable. The 33” wide board borrows its front half from a touring-inspired shape and pairs it with a wide, square tail for extra stability. While it doesn’t have a full-length deck pad, the pad does extend far enough up the front of the board to accommodate medium-sized dogs easily.
The Skylla is also slightly different from the other boards on this list because it is significantly faster and more efficient on the water than most wider all-around boards. It also comes with Sea Gods’ lifetime warranty for years of paddling confidence.
Bottom Line:The stability, speed, and a large grippy deck pad make the Sea Gods Skylla an excellent choice for long-form adventures with your dog.
Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose iSUP
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada, UK, EU
Read Full Review Here
At 11’6” long and 34” wide the Thurso Max’s size and wide outline give it plenty of volume and stability for you and all but the biggest dogs, with a weight capacity of nearly 400lb. The carbon fiber-reinforced rails keep the Max stiff under the extra weight of a larger dog, which helps maintain its great paddling performance on the water.
The full-length deckpad also grooves the entire length of the board. This gives your pup’s paws more traction as they brace side-to-side. The two paddle holders make it easy to keep your fishing rod nearby, and the extra grab handles make getting back on the board easier if Mr. Fluffles, the 80lb lab, decides to take up diving as a hobby.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Surf Max Multi-Purpose paddleboard is perfect for blending your pup’s next paddle session with some fishing.
Nixy Venice G5
10’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada
Read Our Full Review Here
By using advanced materials in their paddleboards, Nixy Sports has kept their entire lineup of G5 iSUPs very lightweight, including the Nixy Venice G5.
This lightweight board makes it even easier to transport your board, whether wrapped up in the rolling travel case or inflated to carry to the water. This makes it even easier to wrangle your board, equipment, and dog as you head down the beach.
Once you’re on the water, the 34” width and wide tail and nose keep the Venice pleasantly stable while your dog uses the full-length deck pad. The smaller front cargo area leaves lots of uninterrupted space for your pet to get cozy as you paddle.
Bottom Line: The Nixy Venice G5 is a lightweight and stable iSUP with lots of open room in the front of the board for your dog.
Glide O2 Retro 3.0
10’6” x 33.5” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Our Full Review Here
Glide recently revamped their inflatable paddle board lineup with an entirely new construction for 2024. The Glide O2 Retro 3.0 uses a new woven drop stitch core, lightweight fusion PVC shell, and heat-welded rails to create what can only be called a high-performance cruiser.
The O2 Retro 3.0 has a full-length deck pad and 33.5” width for excellent comfort and stability. Its smart shape also makes it quite quick and efficient on the water when you want it to be. It also includes a great set of accessories, like an updated paddle and the new inflatable AirThrone kayak seat.
As if that weren’t enough, the Glide O2 Retro 3.0 is available in three excellent color choices and has a 10-year warranty, all at a very reasonable price.
Bottom Line: The Glide O2 Retro 3.0 combines dog-friendly stability with high-performance paddling, excellent construction, and multiple color options without breaking the bank.
Paddleboards for Dogs FAQs
What Makes a Paddleboard Good for a Dog?
The two biggest things that a paddleboard can offer to make your time on the water with a dog more enjoyable are a large deck pad that extends as far forward as possible and enough width and volume to give you the carrying capacity and stability to handle your passenger. With smaller dogs, the overall size of the board isn’t as important as the larger deck pad, but as you get into your medium-to-large dogs (50lb or more) you’ll want to consider larger boards. Make sure to add your dog’s weight to the equation when considering different widths of paddleboard weight capacities. Even a 50lb dog can send you toppling off a smaller board if they decide to suddenly jump after a fish (ask me how I know…).
What Do I Need to Paddle With My Dog?
Aside from your regular paddleboarding gear, I recommend getting a properly fitted PFD for your dog. Not only will this help your dog swim more easily should it hop off your paddleboard, but most dog PFDs also have a heavy-duty handle you can use to help lift your dog back onto your board. If you will be out on the water for longer periods, bring fresh water and a bowl for your pup to use.
Should I Leash My Dog to the SUP While Paddling?
No! Leashing your dog to your board while on the water can be quite dangerous for your dog. Should your board capsize, your dog cannot detach its leash. The leash can tangle on the board or dog, potentially trapping your dog underwater. Use a leash when walking to or from the water’s edge, but once you are on the water make sure to remove the leash from their collar or PFD.
Recommended Gear for Paddling With Your Dog
Paddling with your dog is a great way to spend time together on the water. Whether you are heading to the lake to beat the heat during those dog days of summer (I couldn’t help myself) or heading off on an overnight adventure, here are a few items we recommend for paddling with your dog.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), is not just a piece of safety equipment for people, but for dogs as well! Not only do they keep your pup afloat, but many have a sturdy handle you can use to help your dog get back on board after a swim. Check out the Ruffwear Float Coat dog PFD.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. Dry bags come in various shapes and sizes to fit your needs. See our Best SUP Dry Bag reviews here.
- Coolers – Whether you are keeping your drinks cold or your catch fresh, a great cooler can make the difference after hours out in the sun. Plus, hard coolers make a great seat to take a break from standing! See our Best SUP Cooler reviews here.
- Electric Pumps – Using the hand pump that comes with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But now and then, it’s nice to relax while getting ready. Electric SUP pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your board. See our Best Electric SUP Pump reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Paddleboards for Dogs
Paddle boarding with your four-legged friends can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. Or it may be frustrating and potentially dangerous. Choosing the right paddle board is a huge step in ensuring everyone has a great time. When starting to paddleboard with your dog, make sure to go slowly. Get them used to the board on land first – teach them where you want them to stand or sit. Plan short outings near an easily accessible shore and work on the basics (getting on and off the board, sitting, getting comfortable with the paddle, etc.). A PFD for your dog helps them swim and makes it easier to help them get back on the board. Never leash your dog to your paddle board. If the board does capsize, the leash can become tangled, and your dog may not be able to resurface. Lastly, practice Leave No Trace while paddling with your dog and check for any local regulations at the beaches you are using. Have fun and paddle safe!
Editor’s Note
After seeing our list above, you may be asking yourself “what about XYZ brand or model?” First and foremost, we will only review and recommend products we have personally tested. You won’t find spec-only reviews and blind recommendations here. You may notice a few highly rated boards in our reviews are not on this list. While we stand by our reviews and ratings of those boards, last year several companies ceased their affiliate programs. This prevents us from being compensated for the hours, days, and weeks we spend with these products for testing and reviewing (though they still receive the benefit of our content). If you enjoy our content or find it helpful, we ask that you help support Inflatable Boarder by considering brands that continue to support us first. You can read more about how we make money and the reviewing industry as a whole in our recent blog post.
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