Best Paddle Boards for Dogs: Paddleboarding with your dog is an exciting way to bond and enjoy the water together. Many dog owners find it irresistible to leave their pets at home when heading out for some paddleboarding fun. While most paddle boards can accommodate dogs, choosing a stable, dog-friendly board can make the experience much more enjoyable.
Stability is crucial, especially if your dog tends to move around or jump in the water. Inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs) are highly recommended for this, as they provide a better grip for your dog’s paws and offer a more durable surface.
When selecting a paddle board for you and your dog, consider factors like your dog’s size, behavior, and comfort level on the water. Smaller dogs, like a Chihuahua, can fit on almost any board, while larger breeds, such as a Newfoundland, may require more space and stability.
Additionally, dogs that are less comfortable in the water or those that aren’t well-trained will do better on larger boards with full-length deck pads for added security and grip. Training your dog to obey basic commands like “sit” and “stay” will also help make the paddleboarding experience smoother.
Safety is another essential factor when paddleboarding with your dog. Just like human paddlers, dogs should wear a properly-fitted personal flotation device (PFD) with a strong handle. This makes it easier to help your dog back onto the board if they jump into the water.
A good iSUP will be durable enough to handle your dog’s claws without damage, ensuring both of you can enjoy many adventures on the water without worry.
Best Paddle Boards for Dogs List
The following is our list of the best inflatable paddle boards for dogs. This list is compiled based on first-hand experience as well as a lot of the criteria we set in our buyer’s guide.
1. Atoll 11′ – Best Durable Paddle Boards
2. iRocker Blackfin X – Best Stability Paddle Boards
3. Nixy Venice G4 – Top All Rounder Paddle Boards
4. BOTE HD Aero 11’6″ – All Time Premium
5. Nixy Monterey G4 – Best For Big Dog
6. Gili Komodo – Top Pick
1. Atoll 11 (Budget Pick)
Features Overview:
- Dimensions: 11′ x 32″ x 6″
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Max Capacity: 315 lbs (Tested to 550 lbs)
- Materials: Machine Laminated Dual Layer PVC
- Total Score: 8.2/10
Product Description
Why the Atoll 11 is a Great Pick for Paddling with Dogs
The Atoll 11 is a solid choice for dog owners looking for a stable, budget-friendly paddle board. At 32 inches wide, it provides excellent balance, even in calm waters, making it a reliable option for paddlers with pets. While it’s not the widest board available, its design offers enough stability to support most dogs without compromising on performance. The board is tested up to 550 lbs, ensuring it can comfortably handle both you and your furry companion.
Stability and Design Features
The Atoll 11 may not have been tested with dogs directly, but it offers plenty of stability for various paddling maneuvers. Its 32-inch width feels closer to a 33-inch board in practice, offering a stable platform for both the paddler and their dog. With a diamond-grooved deck pad, it provides great grip, which is perfect for your dog to sit or stand securely. The board’s narrower nose might be less ideal for larger breeds but is still sufficient for small to medium-sized dogs.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Many Atoll 11 owners praise its simplicity and solid construction, especially for the price range. Weighing just 21 lbs, it’s lightweight and easy to transport, making it a great option for backcountry paddling. Although it doesn’t come with many extra features, the board’s multiple D-rings allow you to customize your setup and carry additional gear. For those seeking an affordable, stable paddle board that performs well, especially with smaller to medium-sized dogs, the Atoll 11 is a fantastic pick.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Has a lot of praise from customers
- Many customers love to use this board for their dogs
- Diamond grooved deck pad helps with grip on dog paws
- Board is lightweight
Cons:
- The deck pad could be bigger, especially in the front
- Accessories could be a bit better
- Small side bite fins do not allow the board to track as well
2. iRocker Blackfin X (Stability Pick)
The iRocker Blackfin X is a solid choice for those seeking stability on the water. Below are its key features:
- Dimensions: 10’6″ length, 35″ width, and 6″ thickness, providing a spacious platform.
- Weight: Lightweight at only 27 lbs, making it easy to transport.
- Maximum Capacity: Can support up to 450 lbs, ideal for multiple riders or extra gear.
- Materials: Constructed with triple-layer composite PVC, offering durability and rigidity for various water conditions.
Product Description
The iRocker Blackfin X is a great paddleboard for dog owners, especially if you’re new to paddleboarding or want extra stability. Here’s why it’s a top pick for you and your dog:
Roomy and Stable
With dimensions of 10’6″ x 35″, the Blackfin X offers plenty of space for most dog breeds. Its 35-inch width makes it one of the most stable boards in its size range. If you’re still working on finding your balance, this board provides a steady platform for both you and your pup to learn on together.
Durable Materials
Made from triple-layer PVC, the board is tough enough to handle a dog’s claws without damage. While many boards are only made with one layer of PVC, the Blackfin X’s extra layers give it added protection, making it a reliable choice for paddleboarding with pets.
Built for Stability
The iRocker Blackfin X is often used by anglers for fishing, so you know it’s designed to stay stable even when you’re moving around. The wide 35-inch design also helps you stay steady in choppy water, which is great when you’re paddling with your dog.
Features and Design
The board is packed with features, including front and rear deck bungees for gear, 8 action mounts, 2 Scotty mounts, and 6 D-ring areas. While the deck pad only covers about two-thirds of the board, more coverage would help with traction for your dog’s paws, so it’s something to consider.
What Customers Say
Many customers love the stability of the Blackfin X. They mention using it for fishing, and one reviewer even said it was perfect for her husky pup. Several users said this board is much steadier than entry-level boards, which is important when you’re bringing a dog along.
In short, the iRocker Blackfin X is a great choice if you’re looking for a stable, durable paddleboard that can handle both you and your furry friend comfortably.
Pros:
- Board is one of the most stable on the list
- Lots of features available to the paddler
- Has a high maximum capacity limit which is key
- Accessories are of good quality
Cons:
- Heavy for a 10’6” board
- The deck pad could take up more space
- Deck bungees could get in the way of your pup
3. Nixy Venice (Medium Sized Dog Pick)
The Nixy Venice is a fantastic choice for paddleboarding with medium-sized dogs. Below are the key details that make this board ideal for you and your friend:
Features:
- Dimensions: 10’6″ length, 34″ width, and 6″ thickness, offering a stable and spacious surface for medium-sized dogs.
- Weight: At only 23 lbs, the board is lightweight and easy to carry.
- Maximum Capacity: Can hold up to 350 lbs, making it great for both you and your dog.
- Materials: Built with Advanced FusionTech dual-layer laminated construction and a woven drop stitch, providing a durable and sturdy surface for your dog’s paws.
- Rating: Users have rated it highly, with an average score of 8.8/10.
The Nixy Venice’s lighter weight and solid construction make it a great pick for paddling with your medium-sized dog, ensuring stability and comfort on the water.
Product Description
The Nixy Venice is a great choice for paddleboarding with your dog. Here’s why it stands out:
Why It’s a Good Dog Pick
The Nixy Venice features nonintrusive front deck bungees, which is perfect for dogs who like to sit at the front of the board. With fewer bungees in the way, your dog won’t trip or cause an unexpected dip into the water. Plus, it has an expansive deck pad, providing plenty of space for both of you to move around comfortably. You can even practice yoga on this board, thanks to its stability and large standing area.
Stability
The Venice is one of the most stable paddleboards for its size. At 34 inches wide, it gives extra balance, making it more stable than similar boards like the Gili Komodo. While this wider design sacrifices a little glide, it makes up for it with better stability, especially in choppy water. The board’s shape—wider from front to back—creates a platform feel, which helps keep you and your dog steady.
Board Features and Design
The board comes with 4 action mounts and 4 D-rings for attaching accessories like kayak seats or coolers. While the deck pad is roomy, it could benefit from slits for extra grip, which would help your dog feel more secure. Still, the existing design offers plenty of traction for most dogs.
What Customers Think
Many users love the Nixy Venice for its versatility—especially those who enjoy paddleboard yoga. But it’s also popular with dog owners. Customers appreciate Nixy’s responsive customer service and the overall quality of the board, making it a reliable option for both fun and relaxation on the water.
In short, the Nixy Venice is a fantastic pick for paddleboarding with your dog, thanks to its stability, spacious deck, and thoughtful design.
Pros:
- Unobtrusive deck bungees in the front
- Large deck pad area
- Stability-wise it feels like a platform
- Board is lightweight
Cons:
- Wish the deck pad was not so sleek and had grooves in it
- The preferred use is as a Yoga board
- Lacks some speed
4. Bote HD Aero 11’6” (Premium Pick)
The Bote HD Aero 11’6” is a premium paddleboard that combines style, stability, and durability, making it a great option for paddling with your dog. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Features:
- Dimensions: 11’6″ length, 34″ width, and 6″ thickness, offering a large and stable platform for you and your dog.
- Weight: Weighs 30 lbs, which is still manageable despite its larger size.
- Maximum Capacity: Can support up to 315 lbs, making it ideal for paddlers and medium-sized dogs or smaller breeds.
- Materials: Made with AeroBOTE Technology, which provides a lightweight yet highly durable construction.
- Total Rating: Scored 8.25/10, reflecting its solid performance and premium build.
The Bote HD Aero is a top-tier board for those seeking a luxury experience on the water, offering extra stability and comfort for paddling with a pet.
Product Description
The Bote HD Aero 11’6” is an excellent choice for dog owners, especially if you’re looking for premium features and stability on the water. Here’s why it’s a great pick:
Why It’s a Good Dog Pick
One of the standout features of the Bote HD Aero is its full grooved deck padding, which covers most of the board. This is great for your dog because the grooves help their paws grip the surface, especially in rougher water. The traction helps them stay stable, giving both of you more confidence on the water.
Another handy feature is its Magnepod compatibility. The Magnepod system uses magnets to hold compatible cups in place, which means you can keep your water bottle secure without having to dig through dry bags or use bowls. It’s a small but thoughtful feature that adds convenience during your paddleboarding sessions.
Stability
The Bote HD Aero is just as wide as other stable boards like the Nixy Monterey, but there’s a key difference. While the deck pad on the Aero provides more grip, the Nixy Monterey’s carbon side rails and extra bladder give it a slight edge in stiffness and stability. However, the Bote HD Aero is still highly stable and perfect for paddling with a dog.
Board Features and Design
This board comes with some useful features for dog owners. One of the most notable is the paddle sheath, which lets you securely store your paddle at the front of the board. This is especially useful during training when you’re helping your dog get comfortable on the board without having to hold the paddle.
The board also has velcro paddle straps on the side, giving you another way to store your paddle. Additionally, it’s compatible with Scotty mounts for a fishing rack and a Kula cooler, Bote’s version of a bucket. The Kula cooler is great for storing essentials like treats, toys, and water for your dog.
What Customers Think
With over 500 reviews and no ratings below 3 stars, the Bote HD Aero is a customer favorite. It has a 4.9/5 rating on Amazon, with many praising the board’s high quality. One customer even mentioned that this was their sixth BOTE board, highlighting the loyalty and satisfaction among BOTE’s users.
The Bote HD Aero 11’6” is a premium pick with excellent features for both you and your dog. It offers great stability, thoughtful design, and top-notch quality, making it a solid investment for your adventures on the water.
Pros:
- Full Trax is a great option to get for dogs
- The Paddle sheath is handy especially when actively training your pup
- Board is very stable in the water
- Magne Pod holder can be used as a quick and easy device for your pup to drink out of.
Cons:
- Heaviest board on the list
- The total package weight is 49 lbs which can be tricky to lug while with your dog
5. Nixy Monterey (Big Dog Pick)
The Nixy Monterey is a top choice for those looking to paddleboard with large dogs. Here’s a summary of its key features:
Features:
- Dimensions: 11’6″ length, 33″ width, and 6″ thickness, offering a stable and spacious platform.
- Weight: Weighs only 25 lbs, making it lightweight and easy to transport.
- Maximum Capacity: Supports up to 400 lbs, which is ideal for paddlers with large dogs or multiple riders.
- Materials: Built with Advanced FusionTech dual-layer laminated construction and a woven drop stitch, along with Dual Chamber construction, making it extremely durable and stiff for added stability.
With its high weight capacity and strong, durable materials, the Nixy Monterey is an excellent pick for paddling with bigger dogs, offering plenty of space and stability on the water.
Product Description
The Nixy Monterey is an excellent choice for dog owners, especially those with large breeds. Here’s why it stands out:
Why It’s a Good Dog Pick
The Nixy Monterey offers exceptional stability due to its 11’6” length and 34” width, making it perfect for paddling with larger dogs like huskies or rottweilers. Its expansive deck pad gives your dog plenty of space to move around, while the 6 rows of bungees provide storage for your gear, and they can even be removed if needed.
What makes this board extra safe is its dual-chambered design. This safety feature ensures that if the main chamber gets punctured, the secondary chamber can act as a backup, providing peace of mind while out on the water.
Stability
The Nixy Monterey is one of the most stable boards available, which is essential when paddling in choppy conditions. Thanks to its longer length and wider width, it feels more like a stable platform. Even if your dog is uncertain and moving around, the board stays steady, making it ideal for bigger breeds.
Board Features and Design
The Monterey is packed with features, including action mounts for rod holders, cup holders, and GoPro or phone mounts. It also comes with 2 Scotty mounts for fishing racks, making it a great choice if you like taking your dog along for a fishing trip.
The board also has carbon side rails for extra protection and added rigidity, enhancing its durability and performance.
What Customers Think
While the Nixy Monterey is a relatively new addition, it already has a 4.7/5 star rating on the Nixy website. Customers are impressed with its speed and, most importantly, the stability it provides, which is crucial when paddling with large dogs.
In summary, the Nixy Monterey is a top pick for dog owners seeking stability, safety, and plenty of space for their furry companions.
Pros:
- Great board for bigger pups to learn on\
- Lots of room onboard
- The deck pad covers a good amount of area
- Very stable for beginner paddlers and pups alike
- Extra bladder provides another layer of safety
Cons:
- Takes longer to set up/ takedown due to dual-chamber
- The nose and tail are narrow which means less room at each end for dogs
6. Gili Komodo (Top Pick)
The Gili Komodo is a fantastic choice for paddleboarding with your dog, offering a perfect balance of stability, lightweight design, and durability. Here’s a look at its key features:
Features:
- Dimensions: 10’6″ length, 33″ width, and 6″ thickness, providing a stable and spacious surface for paddling.
- Weight: At just 21 lbs, it’s one of the lightest boards, making it easy to carry and transport.
- Maximum Capacity: Can hold up to 340 lbs, making it suitable for both you and your dog.
- Materials: Constructed with Dual Layer Fusion Construction, ensuring durability while keeping the board lightweight.
The Gili Komodo is an excellent all-around choice, offering a solid combination of stability, lightweight design, and tough construction, making it a top pick for paddling with your dog.
The Gili Komodo is an excellent option for dog owners, designed to offer a comfortable and stable paddleboarding experience for both you and your pup. Here’s why it stands out:
Why It’s a Good Dog Pick
The Gili Komodo features a full-length deck pad, giving your dog plenty of room to move around comfortably. This deck pad is designed with three different textured surfaces, offering extra grip, particularly in the middle and back of the board. These are key areas where your dog will likely sit or stand, helping them feel more secure.
The board’s lightweight design, coming in at just 21 pounds, makes it easy to manage when you’re carrying both the board and your dog’s leash. Its dual-layer fusion laminated PVC material ensures durability while keeping the weight low, perfect for when you’re handling both the SUP and your dog.
Stability
The Gili Komodo is highly stable thanks to its 10’6” length and 33” width, which provides a wide, solid platform for small to medium-sized dogs. Many customers mention how stable the board feels, even with dogs on board. One customer even regularly paddles with her 100 lb dog, which speaks to the Komodo’s ability to handle larger dogs, too.
Board Features and Design
In addition to the large deck pad, the Gili Komodo is packed with useful features. It has action mounts, two bungee storage areas (which are removable), a paddle holder, and 4 D-rings for attaching accessories like a cooler or kayak conversion kit.
The board also comes with a 3-fin set-up, helping it track well in the water while maintaining stability. The 5” side fins add more grip in the water, making it easier to paddle straight even with your dog on board. Its hydrodynamic profile ensures a smooth glide with minimal drag, making your paddling sessions more enjoyable.
What Customers Think
Customers love the stability of the Gili Komodo, and many have praised Gili’s customer service for being highly responsive and helpful. The Komodo’s design and ease of use, combined with great customer support, make it a favorite among paddlers with dogs.
The Gili Komodo is an ideal paddleboard for dog owners, offering a combination of stability, durability, and convenient features. Whether you’re paddling with a small or medium-sized dog, this board will help you both feel confident on the water.
How to Choose an Inflatable SUP for Your Dog
Choosing the right paddleboard for you and your dog can be tricky with so many options out there. But if you know what to look for, it makes the decision easier. Here are some key things to consider when picking a SUP for your pup:
Board Shape and Design
The shape of the board matters more depending on the size of your dog. For small dogs, like chihuahuas or dachshunds, you won’t have to worry as much about how they affect the board’s performance. But for larger dogs, like retrievers or huskies, the shape becomes more important.
All-around boards are great because they offer a good balance of stability and speed. You also want a board with a slightly pointed nose and some uplift (rocker). This helps the board move smoothly through the water, even with your dog on board. Flat, rounded noses can slow you down, especially with a big dog sitting up front.
Size
The size of the board helps with stability, especially when you’re just starting out. For medium-sized dogs, look for a board that’s at least 10’6” long and 32” wide. Examples include the Gili Komodo and Atoll 11.
For larger breeds like labs, retrievers, or huskies, a bigger board is better. You’ll want a board around 11’6” long and 34” wide, like the Nixy Monterey or Bote Aero 11’6”. Smaller dogs don’t need as much space, so board size isn’t as crucial for them.
Stability
Stability is key, especially when you’re paddling with a dog. The wider the board, the more stable it will be. Boards like the Blackfin X with its 35” width are excellent for stability. Keep in mind, where your dog stands also affects stability. Your dog will make the board more stable when standing near the center, between your legs. But if they move toward the nose, especially if they’re larger, it might make things shaky!
Deck Pad and Deck Features
A good deck pad makes a big difference when paddling with a dog. Inflatable SUPs are generally less slippery than fiberglass boards, but a large deck pad still provides extra grip and comfort for your dog.
Look for deck pads that cover most of the board and have grooved or diamond patterns for better grip. This helps your dog’s paws hold onto the board, especially in choppier waters. Boards like the Gili Komodo and BOTE HD Aero Full Trax have excellent deck pads for dog-friendly adventures.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a paddleboard for your dog, think about size, stability, and how the board is designed to handle your dog’s movements. A stable, dog-friendly board makes for a more fun and safe experience for both you and your pup!