10 Best Paddle Boards for Dogs

What can be better than spending a beautiful day on the water? Well, spending that day with your four-footed friend on the water. If you love paddle boarding, you will love it even more when your dog is in-tow. With a little time and patience, you and your pup can spend endless hours paddling the lakes, rivers, and bays. Of course, you will want to be sure you have the perfect paddleboard to bring your best friend along for the adventure.

With the right board and a pup that has been properly prepared, you can look forward to many hours on the water and enjoying all that nature has to offer.

What Is the Difference Between an Inflatable and a Hardshell Paddleboard?

Hardshell boards are more expensive, but they perform better. You can steer them more easily and they often feel more stable. There are fewer models on the market to select from, yet many of the brands (like the ones we included above) have time-tested reputations.

Inflatable boards are easier to store and transport. Some users feel inflatable boards don’t offer the same strength and maneuverability.

Both work for paddleboarding with your dog.

We’ve split this post into two sections:

1. Best rigid/hardshell paddle boards
2. Best inflatable/softshell paddle boards

Below you’ll find each of our lists. Enjoy!

Best Hardshell Paddle Boards for Dog Owners

1. ISLE Glider Rigid Epoxy Stand Up Paddle Board

The Isle Glider is one of the most stable boards you can find. It’s perfect for balancing yourself plus your dog. This attractive and durable board will easily glide over the water, even when there’s a bit of wake to contend with. This board may be large, but it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, and its bungees allow you to bring along water and a bowl to keep your dog hydrated. This board also comes with a leash and paddle–great added value. We love that the fin is removable, so you can transport and store it more easily.

2. Isle Versa Rigid Stand-Up Paddleboard

Want to practice your downward dog as your dog hangs-ten? This is the board for that. The Isle Versa offers unbeatable stability and durability. Its extra-wide deck allows even the most inexperienced paddle boarders to enjoy a day on the water with their dogs. Like other Isle boards, this one is ultra-lightweight, easy to use, and built to be as tough as you are. Skip the time it takes to pump up your board and hit the water within minutes of putting your car in park. We love that this board comes with a handle to make carrying it while holding a dog leash just a bit easier. It also comes with great accessories.

3. Pelican Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard

Want a versatile board with enough room for you and your fuzzy buddy, but don’t want to break the bank? The Pelican Hardshell is an excellent choice. This board has all the bells and whistles, like a durable and comfortable anti-slip pad, bungees for your extra gear, and handles to make lugging it to the shore easy. If you’re new to stand up paddleboarding, or your dog likes to rock the boat, you will love that this board has grooves on the underside for added stability.

Keep in mind this one does not come with a paddle.

4. Lifetime Amped Hardshell Paddleboard

This brilliant blue board is durable and dynamic. It’s great for going long distances and keeping your dog comfortable. The Lifetime Amped offers excellent stability and extra width for better balance. This board will keep you upright through wind, waves, and wake. It’s made from a dense plastic, so it’s far from fragile and can hold heavier boarders and their dogs. It also comes with a paddle, quality center fin, and bungees for your goodies.

5. Lifetime Horizon 100 Hardshell Stand-Up Paddleboard

This board is great for the price. It is a great investment for beginner boarders who want to find out if stand up paddleboarding with their dogs is a hobby they want to hang onto. The Lifetime Horizon is built for convenience and ease in the water. It has a large textured deck, a carrying handle, a mount for your GoPro, and a bungee for your extra gear. This stand up paddleboard is built like a tank–it will help you stay upright and above the waterline. We love the retractable fin and that it comes with a paddle. It also has built-in channels for added stability. This model is also great for heavy-weight people and pups.

Best Inflatable Paddle Board for Dog Owners

1. iROCKER All-Around Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The iRocker All-Around is as rigid, rugged, and maneuverable as any hardshell board on the market. Not only is this board strong, but it’s also extremely attractive. What sets this amazing board apart from its competition? It can hold a lot of weight. iRocker also does not skimp when it comes to the quality of the board, pump, or the included paddle. It also features some great extras like front and back bungee straps, a carrying handle, a padded shoulder strap, an inner stabilizer, a backpack for transport, and two front safety handles. It also has two mounting locations for your camera.

2. Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Roc Inflatable Stand Up Board is sure to get your tail wagging. This board comes with everything you need for a day on the water with your dog. Plus, it is built to withstand a lot of abuse. Choose from six colors, and don’t worry about breaking your back dragging this board to the water. This lightweight, strong board has a huge grip deck to prevent slips and packs easily away into the included backpack for storage. Don’t let the price fool you, this board is one of the best you will find.

3. FunWater Inflatable Ultra-Lite Stand-Up Paddleboard

This FunWater Inflatable SUP lives up to its name: it’s fun in the water and extremely lightweight. This ultra-wide board doesn’t let its diminutive size restrict its weight capacity. It can easily keep 330-pounds afloat. This board is heavy-duty and features a long front bungee along with a carry handle. It also comes with all the accessories you need to get paddling with your pup. The accessory kit comes with a three-piece lightweight paddle, a leash, pump, a dry bag for your cell phone, fins, and a large backpack.

4. Murtisol Pro Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Murtisol Pro has plenty of room for you and your pup. This board is a great value buy if you’re looking for a board for occasional trips or vacations. This board can hold large-sized dogs and their owners. This board tracks well and is extremely stable. It inflates quickly and is easy to carry. One of the biggest perks of this paddleboard is the backpack you get with it. It has extra pockets, so you can carry your dog’s gear along with your own.

5. YASKA All Around Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

This board seems like it was designed with dog owners in mind. This board is extremely affordable, but it comes with everything you need. It has superior stability, a simple bungee system, and a handle. So, what makes this board so affordable? It requires more protection from the sun than others. You should rinse it, deflate it, and store it inside after use. It also doesn’t have quite the weight capacity of other boards, but if you’re patient and your pup isn’t too big, it does the job. Other than these–this board is comparable to some of the best paddleboards. The lack of extra frills gives your pup a little more legroom.

What Other Accessories Do You Need to Paddle Board with Your Dog?

You will also need a flotation device for your dog. This will keep your pup safe should they tumble overboard. You can find a full review of our favorite life jackets here.

Additionally, it will help your furry friend to have an added non-skid surface so they won’t be slipping and sliding. A couple of good non-skid pads are Foammaker Universal DIY Traction Non-Slip Grip Mat Pad and Abahub Non-Slip Traction Pad Deck Grip Mat–the addition of these will help your dog feel confident and stable on the board.

Tips for Paddleboarding with Your Dog

Once you have your stand-up paddleboard, you’ll want to introduce it to your dog. This can be a long, slow process, but it is important if you want to have fun with your pup. Start by placing your board where your dog can inspect it. Let them smell it and jump on it. Maybe place a few treats on the board to encourage your dog to climb on top. 

Make sure your dog can swim. Even though your best friend will be wearing a doggie life jacket, they still need to be able to swim for their own safety.

Next, take your board and pup to the water. Place the board in just a few inches of water, place a few treats on the board, and let your dog find them. Hop on gently, then gradually paddle the board into deeper water.

It could take a couple of trips for your four-footed pal to get used to the board, so take your time and make sure that your pup is having as much fun as you are.

Safety Precautions for Paddleboarding with Your Dog

Once you’re in the routine of paddleboarding with your dog, you will want to continue to suit your dog up with a life vest and always bring fresh, drinkable water for your dog. It’s also a good idea to keep a first aid kit nearby, just in case.

Additionally, you will want to know the signs of heatstroke and what to do if your dog overheats. Remember that you never want to shock your dog with cold water if they get too hot. Instead, get your towel wet and wrap that around your dog.

What Makes a Paddleboard Better for a Trip with Your Dog?

When it comes to hitting the open water with your dog, you want a paddleboard that is big enough to accommodate both of you, and hold your weight. You will need one that is at least 10 feet long and 32 inches wide. When you pick your board, make sure you add your weight to the weight of your dog, so you know the maximum capacity of the board you buy will support both of you. The larger the board, the more stable. When a board is more stable, you and your pup stay on the board more easily.

Paddle Boarding vs. Kayaking with a Dog?

The simple answer is: kayaking can be easier with a dog. A kayak is more stable, so you’re less like to take a plunge into the water. Many people contend that paddleboarding is more fun than kayaking with a dog, though. If your dog is adventurous, used to water, and likes to swim, try paddleboarding!

Can I Bring Two Dogs?

If your dogs are extremely calm and well-behaved, you can consider it, but the shifting weight of two dogs can make balancing a paddleboard more difficult.

Are There Dog Breeds That Should Not Go Paddleboarding?

You will want to consider your dog’s weight before going out on a board with them. Giant breeds likely weigh too much and will take up too much room. If your dog can be convinced to sit, though, you may be okay to bring them.

Brachycephalic dog breeds often cannot swim well, handle heat well, or breathe without issue under stress. We would recommend not bringing a short-nosed dog on your paddleboard for these reasons.

Doggie Paddling with Your Best Friend is Unbeatable!

If you’re looking for your next adventure, you cannot beat going out on the water with your dog. Paddleboarding with a dog is a great way to make memories, bond in the sunshine, and have a blast. Make a splash and remember to take pictures and stay safe.