Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Paddleboarding with Dogs: Tips and Tricks for a Fun, Successful Paddle

Paddleboarding with Dogs: Tips and Tricks for a Fun, Successful Paddle

By Guest BloggerPosted October 24, 2018

What’s the best reward for a well-behaved dog? Being included in some awesome adventures at Virginia State Parks!

Melanie Benware, owner of Kindred K9 Training and Behavioral Solutions, with her dog, Bogart.

Stand up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is an incredible combination of canoeing, kayaking and surfing. Using a canoe-like paddle while standing atop a stable and balanced board, paddlers propel themselves through the water with smooth alternating strokes. It’s a challenging and fun sport that can be enjoyed through the fall season in Virginia, and including your dog on your next paddle adventure might be easier than you think.

How to prepare your dog

To make the most out of your paddle, first teach your dog a few basic commands. The “Climb” command teaches a dog to go to an object, like a bed, or in this case a paddleboard, and remain there until they are released with a specific word like “Free” or “Okay.” First practice the “Climb” command on land, having your dog “Climb” onto the board and wait for your release. This will make things easier when you ask your dog to hold the command while on the water. It’s also helpful, especially for larger dogs, to have them hold a “Sit” or a “Down” command until you get your footing.

Other than the basic equipment—board, leash, life jacket and paddle—there are a few items that will make paddleboarding with your dog a bit easier, like a dog-specific life jacket. Not only will a life jacket help support dogs who aren’t strong swimmers, but it will make getting even large dogs back on the board much easier. Allow your dog time to get used to his life jacket before setting out on your paddle. Let him swim wearing the life jacket, using the handle to guide him in and out of the water. We also recommend bringing training treats, a water toy for your dog, a portable water bowl, and plenty of towels on your paddle outing.

Enjoy this video showing dogs out on the water:

Tips and tricks for safe paddling

Now that you’re all geared up and have practiced with your dog on land, it’s time to hit the water. Use the “Climb” command to get your dog onto the board, then have him hold a “Sit” or a “Down” command while you paddle away from the dock. Remain in a kneeling or “safety” position until you feel comfortable enough to stand up. While it’s actually easier for a dog to balance while standing on all fours, having them remain stationary on the board will help you find your footing a bit faster.

As you improve and gain confidence, allow your dog to stand up or walk around on the board. Walking around, however, doesn’t mean total freedom—our most important rule for paddling with dogs is to teach them to remain on the board, using the “Climb” command, until they are given permission to jump off, whether it’s into the water or back onto the dock. While this helps prevent surprises, all paddlers will go for an accidental swim at some point, and knowing how to get you and your dog back on your board will help you become a more confident paddler.

First, get yourself back on your board and remain on your knees, find your paddle, then call your dog back to you. With your dog perpendicular to the board, close to the board’s center point, use the handle on the dog’s life jacket to lift them out of the water and back onto the board. Take it slow, and remember, when you do fall in, laugh it off and give it another go.

What makes a dog-friendly paddleboard

If you’re in the market for a board suitable for furry family members, several factors should be considered. With boards, think of the length as the weight-carrying capacity and the width as stability. To determine the potential total weight, add together the heaviest paddler that could use the board plus the heaviest your dog will be as an adult. A good rule of thumb is to add an additional 20% to account for variations in weight.

For example, if the primary paddler weighs 120 pounds and the secondary paddler weighs 210 pounds, use the 210 pounds, then add your dog’s maximum possible weight. A cute Chocolate Lab puppy at 12 pounds may grow to 100 pounds in just one paddling season. Your board would need to hold a 210-pound person and a 100-pound dog, plus 20%, thus 372 pounds. At 372 pounds, you’ll likely be looking at a board that’s 11 1⁄2 to 12 feet in length and 33 to 34 inches wide—these are some of the largest boards on the market.

A fun trick to determine if your board can carry that total weight is to have two humans on the board at the same time—if the board is too unstable, you need to upsize. If your pup is under 25 pounds, you can often use a board suitable for the primary paddler’s size alone.

Before you pull the trigger, demo as many boards as possible to see what size and type will be the best fit for you and your dog.