SAFE SUP WITH YOUR PUP 🐾

FIND THE RIGHT BOARD

It’s you and your pup on the water now, so make sure that your board can accommodate the two of you.

When you’re SUPing with your pup, the bigger the board, the better. Longer and wider boards provide more stability and can carry more weight. 

The 11'2" SUPs are our biggest boards with 150 kg max user weight. This is recommended for when you're bringing your dog on a SUP trip. Find the right HIKS board for you with this guide.

INTRODUCE YOUR DOG TO THE BOARD

New things can be stressful for your pup, so get them acquainted with your board before hitting the water.

Let them sniff around and walk over your board so they can get familiar.

You can also put treats on and around the board for encouragement.

KEEP THEIR NAILS TRIMMED

Minimize the chances of your pup scratching you or your board while you are out on the water by keeping your dog's nails short and dull.

Some people place a piece of yoga mat on the board for their dog to sit on to protect the deck. This could also prevent them from easily slipping and falling off your board when you hit a wave.

BRING A POOCH LIFE JACKET

Pups are natural swimmers, but we always opt for the extra safe route.

Bring a personal floatation device (PFD) for you and your dog for your peace of mind. Yes, they do make PFDs for pups (and they're super cute!)

Life jackets not only make it easier for your pup to swim, but they also have a handle so you can pull them out of the water easier.

Match your pup and pick the right PFD for yourself here.

START IN CALM WATERS AND PADDLE ON YOUR KNEES

If it's your pup's first time on a paddleboard, focus on stability and making them feel safe.

Start on your knees so that you’re on their level and they can see you. SUPing is a new thing for your pup. If you stand up right away, they might feel overwhelmed and jump off the board.

Starting in calm waters, staying close to shore, and keeping your first SUP session short and sweet is recommended for you and your pup’s safety.

STAY HYDRATED

This goes for you and your pup. Whether you and your furry sidekick ventured far from shore or stayed close, bring a water bottle and a collapsible bowl.

Never let your pup drink the lake, sea, or river water! They might get a tummy ache.

BE PATIENT

Even if your dog loves swimming and water adventures, SUPing is a whole different experience.

The board can feel wobbly and unstable to them at the start. Give them time (and lots of treats) as they adjust.

SUPing is a fun and relaxing activity, don’t stress yourself and your pup out. If it’s not working out on your first try, there’s always a next time.

Stay positive! You got this! (Photo from @thescottishgoldens).