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As many know I do pretty much everything with my dogs. When it comes to stand up paddle boarding, it’s no different. Now that Ruger is full grown, taking all 3 became a challenge because of all our weight combined.
Luckily, we started using the Max SUP. This board has been a game changer for so many reasons.
First and foremost it has a weight capacity of 370lbs, so having myself and 3 dogs is no problem. It sits high enough off the water that if you need to sit you aren’t sitting in water. The board as a full traction pad, end to end, so the dogs have good grip and won’t slip and being 11’6” there is plenty of room for all of us.
A feature I really like is the velcro straps on the side of the board to strap in your paddle when you want to take a break, or transporting the board.
This board is an inflatable and comes with a rolling backpack, pump, leash, paddle, fins and repair kit. In total all of that weighs about 50lbs, but when just using the board and paddle it’s only about 30lbs. Inflating the board with the pump took 10-15 mintues.
Training:
Prior to going out on a paddle board with your dog, there are some training steps I take with dogs to ensure they are comfortable and safe for paddle boarding. Below are two training videos. The first one is the training I did years ago on my dogs, and the second is the training I did on my puppy.
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Additional Gear:
Using life jackets like the Ruffwear Float Coat (code: WCHP for 10% off) is an excellent choice for water activities. Dogs might not always be as adept at swimming or staying afloat as we might assume, and having that extra buoyancy and the handle to help them back onto the board is a smart safety measure. This is true for dogs of all sizes or not very strong swimmers. Choose the appropriate size for your dogs.
Rex Specs Dog Goggles (code: WCHP for 10% off) provide them with eye protection. Many people don't realize that dogs' eyes can be sensitive to sunlight and glare, just like humans. The reflective properties of water can intensify the sun's effects.