With summer in full swing, many of us seek water to escape the heat for ourselves and our furry friends. Martok and I like to visit friends in Teton Valley, Idaho home to the Teton River. Floating down the river is a favorite activity, offering a serene escape surrounded by stunning landscapes. While drift boats and large rafts are ideal for fly fishing, canoes, kayaks, and, more recently, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) have become popular for leisurely floats.
After borrowing SUPs a few times, I decided to invest in one this year. As someone who thoroughly researches before making a purchase, I spent considerable time comparing different models and features. Here’s what I found essential for a SUP suitable for both a human and a Great Dane:
Key Features of a Dog-Friendly SUP
- Load Capacity: It was crucial to find a SUP that could support the combined weight of myself and Martok. Great Danes are large dogs, and a sturdy, high-capacity board ensures we both stay afloat comfortably.
- Size and Weight: A larger SUP offers more space for Martok to move around without feeling cramped. However, it also needs to be lightweight enough for me to carry and transport easily.
- Customizations: I looked for boards with features like extra grip pads to prevent Martok from slipping, tie-down points for securing gear, and even an attachment for a kayak seat for added versatility.
- Price: Budget is always a consideration. I wanted a board that provided excellent value for money without compromising on the essential features. The board I bought was discounted more than 50% to be replaced by a newer model so watch for opportunities like that.
Why Choose a SUP Over a Kayak for Your Dog?
- More Surface Area: SUPs offer a larger surface area, giving your dog more room to sit or lie down comfortably. This is especially important for larger breeds like Great Danes.
- Stability: SUPs are generally more stable than kayaks, reducing the risk of tipping over, which is reassuring when you have a big dog on board.
- Easier to Re-Board: If your dog decides to take a swim, it’s much easier for them to get back onto a SUP. The lower profile and larger surface area make re-boarding less challenging compared to a kayak.
Our Experience Paddle Boarding with a Great Dane
Our Great Dane Varel excelled at kayaking. Martok however, found it much more difficult. You can read about that misadventure in the blog post: Boating with a Great Dane.
A few years ago I was able to get Martok on a SUP for a trial run. It was my first time on one as well and we both managed to stay on. With that experience in mind, we took a trip with the new board to Mission Bay in San Diego. Fiesta Island is a dog-friendly area and the bay has calm, shallow water. I believe Martok forgot about his earlier experience because he wanted nothing to do with the board. Finally I convinced him to sit on the board but as soon as I tried to move away from the shore he was off. This was going to take a lot of time and patience.
While the goal is to be able to float with Martok I wasn’t sure the Teton River was the best location to start. With gentle currents and breathtaking views, it is an enjoyable float but it can get tricky and the local moose may not like a Great Dane taking interest in them.
If you’re considering a water activity with your dog, I highly recommend giving stand up paddleboarding a try. With the right board, it’s an experience you and your furry friend will cherish.
My Equipment
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After much research, I decided to get an iRocker Cruiser. It is 10’6” long and 33” wide base making it extremely stable. I like the shorter length since I’m not tall. It has a 435 lb. weight capacity making it safe for adding a Great Dane. It has plenty of D-rings for securing gear and handles for easy transport. A kayak seat can even be attached. Check out the iRocker store to find the right SUP for you to start paddle boarding with a Great Dane.
Don’t forget a floatation vest for your pup. Besides helping them swim it provides you with a handle to help them back on the board.
