The SUP Shack sits right in the Santa Cruz Harbor, and it’s become a fixture here since Trudie Ransom opened it in 2011. If your dog hasn’t tried stand-up paddleboarding, this is the place to introduce them to it. The water in Santa Cruz Harbor is calm enough that even nervous dogs can adjust pretty quickly, and the whole operation feels genuinely focused on making sure both you and your dog stay safe and actually enjoy yourselves.

Trudie built the business around teaching stand-up paddling, and that ethos carries through to how they handle dogs. Life jackets are required for all dogs—not optional, which honestly I appreciate because it means everyone’s taking safety seriously. They’ve got bigger boards available, which is essential if you’re bringing anything larger than a small breed. You can’t just balance a 60-pound dog on a regular-sized board and hope for the best. The staff will help match you with appropriate equipment.

The setup lets you explore the harbor itself, which is actually pretty cool from water level. You see the working waterfront in a different way, and the relatively protected waters make it manageable for your first time out. Smaller dogs especially seem to handle the experience well once they get their bearings. Even if your dog just sits in the middle of the board like a furry figurehead, it’s a different kind of outing than your typical beach day.

The fee is just $5 per dog, which is reasonable given that you’re getting the gear setup, the life jacket, and the staff knowledge. They’re not trying to nickel-and-dime you. It’s straightforward—you show up, they outfit you and your dog, and you get on the water. The harbor location means parking is relatively close by, and you won’t spend an hour getting to the launch point. Bring a towel for your dog afterward, since they’ll definitely be wet.