Stand-up paddleboarding, SUP for short, is a sport with Hawaiian heritage that’s caught on all up and down California. The newest craze: teaching dogs to hitch a ride. If you’ve ever watched a dog balance on a board and thought “my dog could do that,” you’re probably right. Most dogs take to SUP faster than their humans do, since they have a lower center of gravity and four contact points instead of two.
A great way for both of you to learn is with SUP PUPS, operating out of Waterman’s Landing Beach Café at Lake Tahoe. Three-hour clinics at this popular paddling spot adjacent to dog-friendly Patton Beach will be offered July 16 and 17, with Tonya Kahler, the nation’s only Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Paddleboard Instructor, at the helm. Cost is $60, with rental boards available for another $60. Tonya’s background in dog behavior means she can help you read your dog’s signals on the water and make the whole experience less stressful for everyone.
You and your pup can also find instant SUP love with 101 Surf Sports in San Rafael, where Dog-Paddle Saturdays offer the chance to join a SUP outing where everyone has a dog on board. It is a social experience for dogs and humans alike, and a great way to meet other dog owners who share your love of the water.
In San Diego, SUP Pups Paddleboard will teach both of you the ropes for paddling the calm waters of San Diego Bay. The bay’s flat water makes it one of the best spots in the state for first-time SUP dogs.
Looking for a SUP community closer to home? Go to sup.meetup.com and enter your zip code: You’ll find enthusiasts, many of them with dogs, meeting regularly in Sacramento, Napa, Modesto, Lodi, Woodbridge, the Tri-Valley region, East Bay, Tahoe and beyond.
Keep in mind that while you don’t need to own your own equipment to give SUP a try, you should invest in a doggie life jacket to keep your pup safe during those inevitable jump-off moments. Look for one with a sturdy handle on the back so you can lift your dog back onto the board easily. And bring a non-slip mat or towel to lay on the board’s deck, as wet paws on a slick surface can make even the most confident dog skittish.
To learn more: SUP With Your Pup
Photo Credit: @thatstokedgolden
