A few months back, I was just like you.
I had discovered how much fun paddle boarding with Belle was. We rented paddle boards a few times. I was at this point where I wanted to get mine. But there's so much to consider... first, price point, inflatable or not, etc.
So here it is, how to pick the best paddle board for you and your pup, step by step.
Or you can skip to the best board according to our community.
Step 1: Determine if you want an inflatable board or a hard one.
First, you need to determine if you want an inflatable board or a hard one.
Btw, if you want to look like a pro, inflatable boards often go by iSUP. Ohh and I almost forgot, SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle Board. You guessed it, iSUP is for Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board.
ok, back to picking the board.
Many people, including me, are worried that their dog might puncture the inflatable paddle board with their nail. You don't have to worry about this. The inflatable paddle boards are very durable for dogs.
Here's a few factors that can help you decide if you should go for an iSUP or a standard board.
Are you living by the water?
If you're not, the inflatable paddle board is in the lead right away.
Why?
Well, hard boards are usually heavier than inflatable ones. If you live by the water and you need to walk 30 to 100ft with your board, that's not too bad. But if you have a 15mins drive to go to the water, the hard board is much harder to carry than the inflatable one.
Also, if you want to carry it, you will need a pick up truck or a roof rack on your car. With an inflatable one, you just need to inflate it once you're at the water. Here's a short video to show you how to inflate an iSUP.
Therefore not living by the water favors the inflatable SUP.
Do you have a roof rack or a pick up?
If you plan on getting a hard board and you're not living by the water, you must have something to carry the board.
If you don't want to get one, then the inflatable one is a better option for you.
A lot of storage space
Finally, hard boards take up a lot of space. If you have ample room in your garage or in your house, then a hard board is a fine choice.
Here's a table to help you decide:
Why getting a hard board
Performance is your priority
Hard boards offer the best performance on the water. They travel faster, smoother and with less effort than an inflatable. If paddling fast and far are your priorities, a solid SUP is for you.
For a perfect fit
Hard SUPs are available in a larger variety of sizes and finely tuned shapes than inflatable SUPs, so you’re more likely to find one that fits you just right.
Stability is important
A hard board is a tad more rigid than an inflatable board, which can provide a more stable feel, especially when riding waves. Solid boards also tend to ride lower in the water, which can also create a more stable feel.
You have a place to store it
Hard SUPs can take up a lot of space. If you have ample room in your garage and a vehicle that can transport it, then a solid SUP is a fine choice.
Why getting a inflatable board
You have limited storage space
If you live in a small house, condo or apartment, you may not have room for a large solid board. Inflatable SUPs are compact when deflated and can easily be stowed in small spaces, like a closet or the trunk of a car.
You’re traveling
If you’re taking a road trip or hopping on a plane, you can bring along your inflatable SUP and do some paddling when you reach your destination. Packed away in its storage bag, an inflatable can be checked on an airplane or stowed in a train, bus or car. Most storage bags have backpack straps for easy carrying.
You’re hiking to a lake
If you’re headed to an alpine lake and want to paddle, you certainly cannot carry a solid board. An inflatable stowed in its storage bag is still heavy, but it’s pretty much your only option.
This table is from Rei (link in sources)
Step 2: Choose a shape
Now you need to decide the shape of the board. Once again, it's a question about performance. What kind of outing do you want with your pup?
Let me tell you, in most cases, if you go paddle with your pup the goal is to have fun. Therefore a planing hull (round nose) would be better.
We found these two images from REi website that sum up the major differences between board shapes:
Rights reserved to REI
Rights reserved to REI
Step 3: Choose a size
Rights reserved to REI
Step 4: Check weight recommendation
Step 4: Check weight recommendation
Step 5: Choosing your fin setup and more advanced features.
Step 6: Check the amount of traction pad
Body Glove Performer 11' Inflatable Stand Up
Body Glove Oasis 10' Inflatable Stand Up
Can I buy aftermarket traction pad for my dog on my paddle board?
The Best overall paddle board for you and your dog is...
Body Glove Oasis 10' Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Package
In summary
Our Community
Join a community of dog owners who loves to paddle board with their pups.
Sources:
We Guarantee it
We believe in building things for the long-term.
If our gear was to let you down, we won't.
Sustainability
Nature has given us a playground to explore,
the least we can do is to help preserve it.
