Stand up paddling with a dog - tips from our ambassadors

Stand up paddling (SUP) with a dog - tips from our ambassadors

Stand up paddling (SUP) is becoming increasingly popular - not only with humans, but also with our four-legged friends. To give you the best tips and tricks for a successful SUP tour with your dog, we asked our ambassadors Sabine and Charline. Here are their top recommendations to make the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

1. The right equipment

The right board

Our ambassadors emphasise the importance of a stable and sufficiently large board. An inflatable SUP board often offers more stability and comfort for the dog. Spinera boards are particularly suitable, especially the double layer boards, which are known for their robustness. When choosing, pay attention to the width and the authorised rider weight or payload. All Spinera SUPs are suitable for smaller dogs, while larger models are better for bigger, heavier dogs.

‘"ou should always consider your own weight and that of your dog when choosing the board size," emphasises Sabine, who has had plenty of experience paddling with her three dogs (two of them former street dogs).

Safety waistcoat for the dog

A life jacket is a must! Even if your dog is a good swimmer, the waistcoat offers additional protection and can save his life in an emergency. It also makes it easier to pull your dog out of the water.

"It's important that the dog wears a life jacket. Regardless of whether he can swim well or not! The risk increases in colder temperatures, if your dog swims longer distances or if it swims in deep or moving water. Even a fit dog can get cramps when swimming, for example. A life jacket with a handle is best. This also has the great advantage that you can help your dog onto the board more easily", Sabine continues.

Protection for the paws

To prevent injuries to your dog's sensitive paws, we recommend using SUP boards with a non-slip mat. All our Spinera models are equipped with a non-slip EVA surface.

2. Preparation and training

Getting used to the board

Before going on the water, the dog should get to know the board in a calm environment. Let him run around on it and get used to it before you venture into the water together.

Safety training

Specific training is important so that the dog learns to sit or lie on the board calmly and safely. Practise commands such as ‘stay’, ‘sit’ and ‘down’ regularly.

3. On the water

Choose calm waters

Calm waters without strong waves or currents are suitable for the first outings. Lakes or calm stretches of river are ideal.

Start slowly

Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the outings. Always pay attention to your dog's reactions.

"The important thing is that the dog, like the human, should slowly get used to the cool water. So it's best to start by walking up and down the water and only then dive in," explains Charline.

Take breaks

Regular breaks are important so that your dog can rest and drink something. Always have enough water to hand.

"Peace and seclusion are important to me."

My favourite place is the Auesee in Wesel. The peace and seclusion is important to me. The lake is super big and it's very secluded, so you sometimes have a bathing spot all to yourself.
If my dog wears his lifejacket, which is an absolute must-have for me, we don't need a shallow entrance.
The only important thing is that the dog, like the human, should slowly get used to the cool water. So it's best to walk up and down the water first and then dive in.
The disadvantage of the Auesee is the algae. This can lead to discomfort and dangerous situations for both animals and humans.
For me, however, it is always safer than running water.

Charline with her German shepherd Damon

4. Mindfulness and safety

Weather conditions

Pay attention to the weather conditions. Strong winds, high temperatures or thunderstorms are not ideal for a SUP tour with a dog.

Sun and tick protection

Protect your dog from the sun by cooling him down regularly and applying sun cream for dogs if necessary. Don't forget to check your dog for ticks after the tour.

5. Have fun!

The most important thing when SUPing with a dog is to have fun and enjoy your time together. Our Ambassadors emphasise that the focus should be on a positive experience for both humans and animals.

"Experiencing adventures together strengthens the relationship!"

We love travelling with the dogs on the SUP. For me, SUPing is a break from everyday life, meditation and therapy. Pure relaxation. It's all the nicer when I can enjoy it together with my dog girls.

It's an intense time together on the water. Paddling with dogs offers an excellent opportunity not only to engage in sporting activities with your dog, but also to promote bonding and trust and strengthen self-confidence.

My two former street dogs, who are often afraid of new things, really love SUP. It really helps them to calm down.

If you have several dogs like us, it makes sense to introduce them to SUP one at a time before you take several dogs onto the SUP board.

A non-slip and stable coating is important. To protect the board, you can also use a towel where the dog can stand on it.

We love being at the lake with our dogs. It's nice to meet like-minded people there.

Sabine with Mali, Nova & Cookie (Bines kleines Rudel)

You should ask yourself these questions in advance:

Does your dog love the water and can he sit still sometimes?
Is your dog fit?
Do you have a suitable SUP board that your dog can comfortably ride on?

Conclusion

SUP with a dog can be a wonderful experience if you are well prepared and pay attention to safety. With the right equipment, sufficient training and mindfulness, nothing stands in the way of a great adventure. We hope that the tips from our brand ambassadors Sabine and Charline will help you and wish you lots of fun on the water!