Best Stand-Up Paddleboards for Dogs – 2025

Whenever I’m reading through comments submitted to SUPBoardguide, a large portion of them come from paddlers who are looking for a board specifically to bring along their pup. Truthfully, there’s no real surprise here. Paddling with your dog is tons of fun and presents a whole new level of bonding that goes beyond your daily walks; plus, if you’re like me, you’ll take any excuse to bring your dog along instead of leaving them behind.

The reality is that most SUPs will be fine for most dogs – if they can fit on the board, they’re essentially good to go. However, if your dog is anything like mine, sitting still is not their strong suit, nor is listening, or not launching themselves (and consequently me) into the water at every passing opportunity. For those cases, the experience will be much more enjoyable, and much drier, on a stable, exceptionally dog friendly SUP.

Essentially, our list of the Best SUPs for Dogs will cover exactly that. Each of the boards that we’ll discuss below are SUPs that I’ve paddled with my own (less than stellar behaved) dog and had an easy and enjoyable experience. We’ll get into the criteria of my rankings in the next section, but for now know that each of the SUPs we’ll dive into in the following list are stable, comfortable, durable, and well-performing on the water.

On top of that, we’ll also cover some training tips for your pup as well as some SUP-pup essentials to make for a seamless experience transitioning your dog from land to board, so stick with us as we sift through our list of the Best Dog-Friendly SUPs.

Best Inflatable SUPs for Dogs

Keeping in mind the factors listed above and loading my dog onto more boards than he could even comprehend, we’ve settled on our 2023 list of the Best SUPs for dogs:

• Thurso Max Multipurpose
• Nixy Monterey G5
• Glide Retro Elite
• Nixy Venice
• Bote HD Full Trax 11’6
• Blackfin Model V 6.0
• Atoll Outrider
• Hydrus Joyride XL
• iRocker Cruiser 7.0

1. Thurso Max Multipurpose

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The Thurso Max Multipurpose is basically an SUV on the water. Plenty of room for the whole family, plus your stuff, but still performs when you need it to. With a full-length deck pad that covers the entire top of the board, stable 11’6 x 34” size, and surprisingly clear deck area, the Thurso Max is about as perfect as it gets for paddleboarding with your dog whether it’s a teacup poodle or a Newfoundland.

The high-quality construction gives the Max a solid feel on the water, even when loaded up with pets, and the new heat-welded rails will keep you paddling worry-free for years to come. Thurso also includes a great set of accessories when you purchase the full board package including an electric pump and carbon fiber hybrid paddle.

2. Nixy Monterey G5

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The Nixy Monterey G5 is another large-size board that’s ideal for paddling with your pup(s). This 11’6 x 34” board feels impossibly lightweight at just over 21 pounds which gives it great handling both on and off the water.

While the Monterey doesn’t technically have a full-length deck pad, the pad spans a far larger area than your typical all-around or cruiser board, and still gives you and your dog plenty of room to comfortably position yourselves and move around as needed.

Nixy has also done a fantastic job of packing tons of features and cargo space on the Monterey without cluttering the deck, so you really can enjoy the room on this larger board.

3. Glide Retro Elite

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The Glide Retro Elite is a great board for many reasons, with one of the better reasons being that it is very comfortable for dogs. And you, of course. And now that I’m thinking about it, I might be being biased about the ‘better reason’ part because I can’t deny that this is a fantastic all-around board with or without your dog.

But back to the dogs being the reason why this board rocks: its minimalistic deck pad has an uplifting vibe and it stretches to the very tip and tail of the board so you and the pup can enjoy the good vibes across the board. I love to use that pun when I’m writing SUP reviews; across the board. But it’s so true, Glide uses their tried and true color scheme of blue, yellow, and orange to create a high-performing board that just makes you happy. Bringing your dog along is like the whipped cream and sprinkles of an already fantastic milkshake, you’re in for a good treat!

At 10’6×33, this is a sturdy and stable board. We really like that the deck pad extends from tip to tail, and for us it’s very comfortable. I’m sure it will be super comfy for your dog too, but I do want to point out that there are no diamond grooves or any embossing. So if your dogs have sharp nails, they may mark up the board a bit.

This board comes with a comprehensive kit including a leash (for you not your dog), a 3-piece paddle, a dolphin-style fin, a repair kit, a wheeled backpack, and a full kayak conversion kit with seat and extra paddle blade. The backpack is durable and big so you don’t have to struggle getting the board in and out of it. So you and your dog can get out there right away and start soaking up the rays.

4. Nixy Venice

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The Nixy Venice is like a slightly smaller version of the Monterey – perfect for paddlers with smaller dogs (under 50 pounds) who want a more maneuverable option. The Venice also boasts more deck pad coverage and a wider tail shape that’s designed for extra stability since the Venice is also designed as a SUP for Yoga.

The lightweight construction and high quality kit make the Venice an easy choice – especially since there are so many excellent color options to choose from!

5. Bote HD FullTrax

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Though we have not tested out the FullTrax version of the HD specifically, we’ll be basing its performance and paddling feel on our experience with the standard HD Aero by Bote (it’s the same board, just without the FullTrax full length deck pad). In our testing, the HD Aero is a stable SUP with high enough volume to take on a considerable amount of weight, making it a good choice for taller or heavier paddlers with dogs small and large alike.

Being 11’6 long and 34” wide, the HD Aero will be expectedly stable; it has a lot of surface area on the water, which limits any ‘tippiness’ or wobble that a paddler would feel . Aside from its specific dimensions though, the HD Aero sports a wider and more rounded shape from nose to tail that also helps to eliminate any balancing challenges that more tapered SUPs present. A final small contributor to the HD’s stability is its large 10” hatchet style center fin. All of these features combine into an exceptionally sturdy SUP, capable of taking on even some of our ‘rowdier’ pups.

While the stability alone makes us happy to recommend the HD Aero to paddlers and their dogs, the real draw here is the full length deckpad of the FullTrax model. Because the grooved deck pad spans the length of the SUP, your dog has tons of room and can be comfortable anywhere on this board (even more so if you remove or adjust your bungee cargo areas). You’re also able to fish with the HD Aero’s 2 scotty mounts and kayak seat and paddle sheath compatibility, and won’t have your space limited by a lack of deck pad.

6. Blackfin Model V 6.0

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While doing my testing for this list, I really wanted to give our readers an option for a dog friendly touring SUP. Ultimately though, most touring SUPs focus so much on speed that stability tends to go by the wayside, which isn’t exactly what we’re looking for when we’re loading up a dog (especially one that only listens 60% of the time). We’ve found the Model V to bridge the gap between stability and speed, therefore enabling paddlers and their dogs to embark on adventure style tours without being considerably slowed down.

At 12’6 long by 32” wide, the Model V is one of the more stable, higher volume touring SUPs on the market; albeit not quite as stable as the Model XL that we discussed above. However, the Model V’s parallel rails and slightly tapered nose and tail contribute to higher speed capabilities than other SUPs on this list. We’ve also found the 2+1 dolphin style fin set up to not only help with tracking, therefore aiding in speed as well, but also add in some lateral stability.

Another reason we chose the Model V as the Best Touring SUPs for dogs is because it has tons of deck pad space in front of the paddler to easily accommodate most small-large dogs. On top of the sheer amount of space, we really like the Model V’s grooved and brand stamped deck. As with the Blackfin X and XL, it helps keep you and your pup dry, while providing just enough grip. Lastly, we love the overall versatility that the Model V’s deck space provides; it has 8 action mounts and 20 D-rings, enabling you to partake in nearly any activity, along with paddling with your dog.

7. Atoll Outrider

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The new Atoll Outrider is a large SUP that blends the stability and capacity of a large cruiser with the tracking of a touring board. Combined with the copious amount of cargo storage options on board, this makes it a great option for loading up with equipment for a multi-day trip, and bringing your dog!

The Outrider’s fully customizable cargo management system makes it ideal for adjusting your loadout and positioning to properly trim your board, even with a large size dog coming along for the ride. It would be even better if the deck pad completely covered the board, but even with the ¾ coverage of the pad, on such a large board there is still plenty of room for you, your gear, and your bestie on this 12’ x 34” expedition style paddleboard.

8. Hydrus Joyride XL

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If you worry about your dog’s nails potentially puncturing your board, fear not! The Hydrus Joyride XL is the board for you! Hydrus’s unique construction utilizes a scrim of aramid fiber (aka Kevlar) between the two layers of fusion PVC for an ultra-durable construction unlike any other. The large deck pad covers the majority of the board with plenty of room for you and your dog, but it doesn’t cover the nose of the board. So if your pup likes to stand proud at the nose of the board like a fuzzy figurehead, then you may want to consider gluing down some additional deck padding.

This large all-around style board also brings some serious performance to the water. With an ultra-rigid construction, the Joyride XL feels incredibly solid under foot and has seriously impressive speed and efficiency performance.

9. iRocker Cruiser 7.0

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The iRocker Cruiser 7 is a classic cruiser-style paddleboard and one that we recommend constantly for new paddlers looking for stability. The 34” width and wide square tail make this board extremely stable – even when you have an active dog that likes to run from side to side and end to end. While the Cruiser has the smallest deckpad area of the boards on this list, the overall quality, performance, and value of this board makes it an easy recommendation for paddlers with small and medium-size dogs.

iRocker includes a great set of onboard features (tons of D-rings, cargo space, and action mounts) and a quality kit of accessories including an efficient double-chamber pump and carbon fiber hybrid paddle, but does not include a bag (opting instead for a carrying strap).

What Makes a Great Dog-Friendly Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP)?

Before we delve into our list of the best SUPs for dogs, let’s first dive into how we come to those conclusions in the first place. When shopping for a SUP that will comfortably support you and your furry passenger it’s important to keep the following in mind: stability, deck pad space, and durability.

Stability

Even when you’re solo-SUP’ing, stability is going to play a major role in determining how enjoyable your experience is; that fact reigns doubly true once there is a dog aboard. Unless your pup is impeccably trained (can’t relate), they are bound to shift their weight, move around, or maybe even jump into the water. In any of these events, you’ll want a board that is stable enough to keep you and your dog on your feet.

With this in mind, my dog and I typically go for SUPs that are between 33” and 35” to mitigate any balance-challenging side to side wobbliness without being so wide to make paddling uncomfortable.

Deck Pad Space

One of the easiest ways to ensure your dog enjoys riding along on your SUP is to give them enough space to get comfortable. Personally, my dog likes to sun-bathe on his back while I paddle, but your dog will be happiest if he or she can stand, sit, or lie down on the deck pad space in front of your feet without being cramped or needing to step on the slippery PVC areas to adjust positions.

Depending on the size of your dog, you’ll need a SUP with anywhere from 2-3’ of extra deck pad space in front of your standing area. It also helps if this extra space is free of any hard/raised accessories such as D-rings, action mounts, or scotty mounts.

Durability

Durability is always a contributing factor in determining whether or not a SUP ends up on one of our best lists, but it’s even more important in the case of dog-friendly paddle boards. Beginner SUP-pups will often use their claws to gain a little extra balance, which can be really tough on lesser quality deck pads. They also tend to use their claws if they need to hop back onto the SUP from the water, putting them in a position to scratch the iSUP’s seams (though we do always recommend putting your dog in a lifejacket with a lift handle to easily scoop them back onto your board).

Of course, durability is really hard to test without intentionally damaging boards, but we tend to recommend SUPs that come from reliable companies and are equipped with EVA deck pads and reinforced seams. Company warranties are usually a perk as well, but these don’t often cover damage outside of manufacturer defects.

What do you need before paddling with a dog?

Now that you’ve decided on a dog-friendly SUP, you and your pup need to gear up for an adventure. The following are a few accessories we’d highly recommend adding to your arsenal to keep your dog safe on the water.

Dog PFD (personal flotation device):

As we know, most dogs are naturally great swimmers in pools, lakes, or even oceans. However, paddling a SUP adds a whole new element to the mix. If you and/or your dog unexpectedly tip off of your board, they can easily get disoriented and panic. In this case, it’s best to have them wear a well-fitted PFD to keep afloat even if they get tired, as well as give yourself a handle to easily scoop them back aboard.

Dry-bag

When paddling with your dog, you’ll need to bring along some supplies such as extra water, a bowl, treats, dog-safe sunscreen, a chew toy to keep them occupied while they ride in front of you, or maybe even some food depending on how long you’re planning to paddle. It’s easiest to store all of these things in a dry bag so you don’t have to worry about losing them or getting them wet if you and/or your dog falls or jumps in.

Most SUP brands will have dry bags available on their site, but I’ve really come to like the Nixy drybags.

Dog-friendly Sunscreen

A really common misconception is that dogs’ coats protect them from damaging sun rays, which is unfortunately not the case. All dogs are prone to sunburn on the inside flaps their ears, noses, and bellies (especially if they like to sunbathe on their back like mine), but thin-haired dogs are especially vulnerable and should receive a generous coating of sun protection.

While applying sunscreen to your dog may seem simple enough, it is important to only apply dog-safe sun screens. According to the American Kennel Club, this means sunscreens that are free of zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), as those ingredients can be harmful to your dog if licked off or swallowed. I really like the Epi-pet K-9 Care Sunscreen in combination with the My Dog Nose It Moisturizing Balm for dog noses.

Tips on Training Your Dog to Ride on a SUP

We’ve all seen the Instagram posts of dogs riding peacefully on the front of their human’s paddleboard, not moving a muscle, seeming to be at peace with the environment and taking in the scenery. This image could not be further from my own dog’s first experience on a SUP.

To put things in perspective, my dog has the following nicknames: Sharkbait, Minnow-man, ‘Cuda (as in barracuda), and Tuna-belly. His actual name is Bennie but this dog freakin’ hunts fish, and he’s good at it! When I first loaded him up on my SUP everything was going well until he catapulted himself off of my board to ambush a group of fish swimming below us. He sent us both flying into the water, a practice that repeated until we made it back to shore.

It was clear that he needed some serious SUP training before I could attempt to take him out on a long tour again. After putting him through a SUP-pup boot camp of sorts, I am happy to say we’ve come a long way from that rough first paddle, and luckily for you, I’ve made enough mistakes along the way that I can confidently tell you how to avoid them.

Introduce the water:

While my dog is basically part fish, not all dogs are the same. If your dog dislikes or has fear of the water, this will be your first obstacle to overcome. An easy way to do it is to help them shift their mindset by using a reward system to build confidence and foster a level of comfortability around the water that will allow both of you to eventually enjoy your paddle sessions.

For our most fearful dogs, this may mean giving them a treat for just being calmly within the vicinity of a body of water. For others, it could mean rewarding them for taking a few steps into the water, which could progress into full-on swimming. Every dog’s starting point will be different, but slow progression and consistency is what’s important here. If that fearful dog gets a reward every time they get just a little closer to the water, before you know it they’ll be wading in up to their belly.

Learn SUP commands on land:

As with any passenger on your SUP, you need to be able to communicate with your dog to ensure that both of you stay safe, balanced, and comfortable. The main commands that my dog and I use while paddling are board, sit, between, down, and off. However, these commands will be much easier to teach if you simply lay your SUP on flat ground and train on land (remember to take out your fin while doing this so as to not damage the box).

The first command I taught my dog was ‘board’, which means I want him to get on the SUP. Without this command, he’d be hopping on when I’m not ready and both of us would be struggling to get situated. I trained this by having him sit while I got on our (grounded) SUP and then invited him onto the board when I was ‘ready’, practicing having him wait for different periods of time and rewarding when he boarded as told.

Using the same method, he now knows ‘sit’ (pretty self explanatory), ‘between’ (to stand between my legs; I use this when there’s wake or waves), ‘down’ (to lie-down; also helpful in waves if it’s combined with ‘between’) and ‘off’ (to keep him from jumping off the SUP too early when we get back to shore). I’d be lying if I said he listens 100% of the time, but it’s nice to be able to use even a few of these commands, and it was much less stressful to train on land when I didn’t have to focus on balance and paddling as well.

Start with short paddles (bring lots of treats):

One of the first mistakes I made while paddling with my dog was having the expectation that he could learn all of these commands, be comfortable with the water, and then jump right into a 5 mile tour. It’s important to instead start with very short paddles, which could mean paddling out 50 yards and coming right back.

What these short paddles do is help your pup gain an understanding that you will always return to shore. It’s sort of similar to the first few times you leave your dog home alone; they freak out thinking you’re gone forever until you’ve done it enough times that they know you’ll come back. Applying that same logic, a long tour could be a really stressful experience for a dog that doesn’t yet understand that you two will return to land; it’s much easier (and more enjoyable) to build them up to it.

These short paddles are also a great low stakes opportunity to practice your land-taught commands with plenty of rewards to follow.

Don’t force it and be mindful of the heat:

At the end of the day, some dogs just truly do not want any parts of the water or paddling with their human. Pushing or forcing this type of dog to ride on a SUP is bound to be stressful and non-enjoyable for both of you; not to mention it could damage the trusting relationship between you and your pup.

Go at their pace and see if it’s an activity they enjoy; if not, they’ll be much happier home on the couch.

As a last note, be careful to pay attention to your dog and monitor for signs of overheating. Usually this presents itself as frantic panting with excess saliva and labored breathing. If this occurs, take your dog to a cool or shaded area ASAP and give them plenty of room temperature water.

Final Thoughts

As we said at the beginning, paddling with your dog is a ton of fun. You’ll get some one-on-one time on the water, learn some new training techniques, and maybe even incorporate swimming into their exercise routine.

The key to success here is the right board. Nothing will slow down your dog’s SUP’ing progress more than a board that’s a bit too narrow, doesn’t have any space for them to get comfortable, or doesn’t have the weight capacity to maintain its performance.

Each of the SUPs we’ve discussed above in our list of the Best SUPs for Dogs is more than capable of getting you and your dog out on the water with just a reasonable amount of practice.

As always, we feel confident that there is a SUP for every one on this list, but if you have any questions or feel that there’s a board we’ve missed, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below.

Until next time, happy paddling and don’t forget the treats!

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SupBoardGuide

Heyo! At SupBoardGuide.com we are a team who love the water, the outdoors, and are more than grateful that our full-time job allows us to review stand up paddle boards. We paddle year round (it helps that we are just about 2 hours outside of Las Vegas), and we bring in a wide range of paddlers with the goal of providing our readers with the best, most in-depth, and accurate stand up paddle board reviews.

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