Best Paddle Boards For Dogs

Paddle boarding with your dog is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer with your dog. Nothing beats paddling down a river, one lazy Sunday, with your dog right by your side. Whether you are a brand-new beginner or a paddle boarding enthusiast, it’s important to pick the right paddle board for you and your pup. 

What are the best paddle boards for dogs?

Best inflatable paddle board: BOTE Breeze Aero

Product overview

Nothing beats a day on the water with your dog, and the Bote Breeze Aero Inflatable paddle board is a great option. This inflatable paddle board is lightweight and portable, great for beginners or avid paddlers. The board is one of the wider boards with a width of 33″, perfect for stability for you and your dog. It comes in two sizes, 10’8″ and 11’6″, and both can be bought as a package.  The package includes a few extra accessories, including a cooler and a coiled leash for safety. 

The Bote Aero Classic Cypress paddle board is made with military-grade single-layer PVC that is tough, durable, and rigid once you reach the recommended PSI. While it’s made with some serious heavy-duty materials, it’s surprisingly lightweight, weighing just around 20 LBS when you’re not carrying it in your pack. 

Even with the pack, it’s only around 25 lbs allowing you some free hands as you hike or walk to your destination, giving you the option to hold your supplies or a leash.

On the water, this board is great for oceans, lakes, rivers, you name it. With the durability of the board and the enhanced stability due to the build, it handles incredibly well. It’s easy to maneuver, maybe not as easy as a solid board, but the stability is top-notch. 

Stability is everything for beginners new to paddleboarding as you learn to manage your balance, especially if you’re looking for the perfect paddle board to bring your dog along on your adventures.

The traction padding on the board itself is reasonable and is generally great for helping little paws hold on as you make your way through the water. The traction pad is pretty short and sticks to the center, so you’ll want to be strategic with where you place your dog. 

The bungees on the front, while convenient for storing your gear, make it difficult to put your supplies in the front when you have your dog on board. Thankfully the board has hooks in the rear that attach the Kula cooler, which comes with the package deal, so you can easily store any gear you need in there.

Benefits and drawbacks

• Comes with KULA 2.5 Cooler: The cooler makes it easy for you to easily bring along gear, snacks, drinks, and treats to give your dog.
• Peak stability: With the combo of sturdy material and width, this board is easy to maneuver in just about any body of water. 
• Reasonable weight capacity: The weight capacity is great for users to be able to bring their dog along. If you’re getting pretty close to the weight maximum with your dog on board, the larger board may be a better option.
• Bag is not sturdy: One drawback is that whilst this board is a great option for paddle boarders of all levels, the bag itself isn’t as durable as you’d hope. The two side fins seem a little unnecessary and are a permanent fixture on the board. 
• Need to remember straps: Additionally, it’s best to inflate the board close to the water because once it’s inflated, it’s a little tough to carry without the add-on straps.

The Breeze Aero Classic Cypress Inflatable Paddle Board can give you the most fun you’ve had on the water. It’s stable, secure, and easy to get through tough waters, plus it’s a great little workout. If you’re looking for a board that travels well and has unbeatable stability, this board is for you.

Best for experienced paddlers: Yacht Hopper

Product overview

The POP Yacht Hopper paddle board is another great option when you’re looking to paddle with your dog. The distinctive woodgrain-like finish is a unique design focal point that’s a real conversation starter. It’s easy to transport, and I especially LOVE that the bag comes with wheels because, let’s face it, sometimes carrying around a 27-lb pack is exhausting, especially whilst walking from the parking lot to the water.

The board allows for a larger weight capacity to ensure you can take your dog on your water adventures safely. You won’t have to worry about struggling to maneuver, sinking too low into the water, or tipping. The traction padding on the board is certainly superior, stretching from just about tip to tip for less slippage for all on board.

Paddleboards take a lot of work to inflate, but this board comes with a dual-action and reversible pump. The dual action and reversible pumps work to inflate with the up and down motion of the pump to inflate faster. Once it starts getting a little harder as the pressure increases, you can switch the pump into single action to make pumping easier.

The longer length provides more room for those larger dog breeds or even two small to medium dogs while still allowing enough space for everyone to comfortably ride. There are even options for storage and attaching supplies with deck bungees affixed to the front and the rear.

Benefits and drawbacks

• Wheel travel bag: The wheeled travel bag is an absolute win, in my book, making it easy to wheel through paved paths or if you need to carry it through airports.
• Expansive traction padding: The extensive traction padding that covers most of the board makes it a great option for bare feet and paw pads for stability on the board from end to end.
• Dual action and reversible pump: The board’s dual action pump makes it one of the easier paddle boards to fill up to the PSI
• Better for experienced paddlers: With the Yacht Hopper sitting at 11′, it can be a little better option for more experienced paddle boarders as they tend to be a little tougher to steer. 
• Bag is not suitable on all paths: While the wheeled bag is great, it’s only good on paved paths.

The Yacht Hopper paddle board is great for those outdoor adventures with your dog. With the Yacht Hopper, you can explore your local waterways or travel abroad to see some pretty crazy destinations easily.

Best for long trips: TAHE Beach Wing

Product overview

The TAHE Beach Wing 11′ Paddle Board is a great paddle board for both long cruises and quick trips with or without your dog, but who would want to go without your best friend? The package includes a paddleboard, an adjustable paddle, a safety ankle leash, a sturdy backpack, a high-pressure pump, and a repair kit.

It’s undeniable that this paddle board was created with comfort in mind. Although the traction pad stops short of the front end, it’s made with an embossed EVA deck pad to optimize comfort and traction. The board is incredibly stable on the water, thanks to the sturdy build.

The design of the front end is optimized for planning, partnered with the 9″ long removable touring fin, makes this paddle easy to track through calm or choppy waters. It’s a little slower than most, but this board is perfect if you’re not going for speed and just looking for a leisurely trip.

Benefits and drawbacks

• Comfortable traction pad: The padding makes for a comfortable ride with a material similar to a yoga mat.
• Plenty of handles: With three handles located along the board, the Beach Wing is lightweight, making it one of the easier ones to transport.
• Stable and comfortable: The board is incredibly stable thanks to the material, length, and width and is great for rides with kids or your dog. You won’t have to worry about your little passengers falling into the water.
• Slow moving: The Beach Wing inflatable paddle board was definitely not designed for speed and is a little sluggish. 
• Heavy paddle: The paddle is on the heavier side, but with the foam inserts inside, it will still float if you end up dropping it. 
• Lower weight capacity: The lack of a rear bungee storage system limits this board in what you can carry out on the water, and the weight limitations are a little low if you’re looking to take your dog.

Overall, the Beach Wing paddle board is a great first inflatable SUP for beginners. It’s steady and balanced, easy to inflate, and equipped with plenty of handles to easily haul to and from the water. If you’re looking for something basic and just to get a feel for paddle boarding, this is the board for you.

Best for style and functionality: POP x Backcountry

Product overview

POP paddleboards are notoriously easy to handle, and the Backcountry LE Inflatable Stand-up Paddle Board, it’s no exception. The unique design is definitely an eye-catcher making you stand out on the water. This board is one of the shorter boards available, complete with a rounded nose and planing hull, which makes it one of the better paddle boards for maneuvering. 

You can paddle on any water surface, whether it’s a small calm lake or paddling on the beach; you’ll be able to paddle to your heart’s content with your dog on board without the fear of falling in.

When choosing a paddle board specifically to take your dog on your trips, the number one thing to look for is space, and while this board is short, there is plenty of space for you and your dog. The traction pads are made by EVA technologies that are designed for the ultimate in comfort and traction on your trip. 

You already know I am a big fan of the rear storage on the paddle boards, and this board has both front and rear bungees to secure what you may need, including treats and water bottles! This board even comes with D-rings in case you want to convert it into a kayak, although it is something you’ll need to purchase separately.  

Benefits and drawbacks

• Travel bag and convenient carry handles: There are plenty of handles to grab on to transport from the car to your launch site easily. The backpack is spacious and able to carry everything you need for a smooth ride and includes wheels for easy transport on paved paths or when traveling.
• Unique and fun designs: Part of the fun of a paddle board is choosing a cute design, and this one has a minimalistic tropical design that I cannot get over.
• Removable single center fin: I love the single fin as it’s really all you need for smooth tracking and turning.
• Kayak seat compatible: Kayaking or paddle boarding? That’s always the question when wanting to get out on the water, and with the placed D rings, the choice is yours. All you have to do is attach the optional seat (purchased separately) to transform the board into a kayak for those long rides.
• Low weight capacity: The Backcountry LE has enough room for you and your dog, but the weight capacity is one of the lowest of my featured paddleboards. When your dog is on board, and you’re really pushing the weight class, you might want to consider a little longer and more durable paddle board that can handle more weight.

The Backcountry LE Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard has it all, from the rear bungees to the comfortable traction pads, and all for an incredibly reasonable price. This board is ideal if you love to explore the waters as a beginner or intermediate paddle boarder and the perfect beginner board if you want to bring your dog.

Best for tight budgets: Retrospec Weekender 2

Product overview

At only 17 lbs. Seven oz., the Retrospec Weekender 2 Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board is the lightest on this list. Made from high-quality ArmorStrength PVC, it’s sturdy, stable, and provides a smooth ride. 

The textured deck pad adds extra grip and comfortability, and the three detachable fins ensure added controlled steering and stability throughout movements. With this board, you have everything you need to get started, including a dual action pump, adjustable paddle, safety leash, backpack, repair kit, and even a waterproof phone case.

Can we just talk about the design for a moment? I feel like I’ve stepped back in time to the 1970s with this fun and unique paddleboard design. Beyond the design, the board is about 3/4 of the way covered with the textured deck pad, but it’s just enough for you and your dog to ensure you won’t slip and slide around. It’s also incredibly comfortable, whether on your feet or your knees, for those longer rides.

Picking the perfect paddle board to ride with your dog can seem daunting, and when you look at the prices for some, they can get pretty expensive. When you’re looking for a great deal on a quality paddle board that provides the stability you need, the Retrospec Weekender 2 Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board is the perfect fit for you!

Benefits and drawbacks

• Extra lightweight: One of the lightest paddleboards I’ve come across makes it the easiest to haul no matter the distance, whether you’re hiking to a remote lake in the distance or taking that short walk from the parking lot to the launch site.
• Increased weight capacity: This is one of the lightest yet sturdiest boards that can carry upwards of 300 pounds, perfect for you plus your dog, or two small dogs.
• Great on a budget: You can’t beat the price of $350 when many boards start at $600 or more. When you want to paddle but are sticking with a budget, this board’s quality and price are hard to beat. 
• A little short: I love this paddle board, but the length, while definitely manageable, is a little on the shorter side. It’s not made for speed, but if you’re looking for a leisure ride, then that’s okay. 
• No rear storage: on a shorter board, you want to store your supplies in the rear for more room for you and your dog in the middle and towards the front end of the board.

The design of the paddle board alone was enough to sell me on it but add on the lightweight materials and the weight capacity; it’s a no-brainer. To top it off, it’s one of the most affordable high-quality paddleboards on the market. If you’re looking for a great paddle board for you and your dog that fits your budget, look no further.

How to pick the right paddle board

1. Paw friendly material

When choosing the right paddle board for you and your pup it’s important to choose a durable paddle board that can withstand your dog’s nails.

There are many options on the market, including inflatable paddle boards, which are sturdy enough for paws and you don’t have to worry about scratches or punctures.

Try to find a paddle board with a deck pad (also referred to as a traction pad) already built-in. This will provide a grip for both you and your dog to prevent slipping off.

A deck pad provides a soft surface to stand on and absorb the shock waves you might experience when out on the water. A full-length deck pad will run the whole length of the board which means your dog isn’t restricted to a certain area.

Don’t worry if you find a paddle board that you love and it doesn’t have a deck pad built-in, you can always install one afterward.

2. Stability

The second thing to consider when buying a SUP for your pup is the stability of the board. A wider and longer board will provide more surface area and therefore more stability on the water.

It is a common misconception that an inflatable paddle board is less stable than a hard board. In truth, when an inflatable board is fully inflated, it feels just as solid and stable so either option are dog-friendly.

3. Size

The size of the paddle board should also be considered. If your dog is small then you don’t need to worry so much about this but if you have a medium-sized dog or large dog you will need to consider a board that your dog will comfortably fit on.

A larger board will be more stable and have more room for your dog to lie down and relax.

The caveat to this though is you don’t want the board to be so big that you will struggle to paddle it along a lake! If you are short like me, trying to paddle a wide board will be like trying to paddle a mattress down a lake.

A paddle board at least 10 feet long and at least 30 inches wide is a good place to start.

4. Weight capacity

Weight capacity is another important feature when selecting the best paddle board for you. Choose a board that is capable of supporting the combined weight of you, your dog, and any gear you may bring along.

5. Storage

Storage of your paddle board is another important factor to consider. If you don’t have much room to store your SUP in your house then an inflatable paddle board is a good option. These paddle boards pack down into a compact package that can be carried around in a bag, making them far more convenient.

Dog safety in the water

It’s important to note that not all dogs can swim naturally and a dog life jacket is recommended. This is because even with the strongest swimmers, emergencies do happen. A dog can only paddle for so long before they tire. A dog life jacket will keep them afloat if they become too tired.