Looking for the best inflatable paddle board for dogs including large breeds? You’ve come to the right place! As a dog mom and woman who loves spending time on lakes and rivers paddle-boarding with my labradors, I know what to look for in a good SUP. After years of using an inflatable board with my dog, I want to recommend six inflatable SUPs that are perfect for large dogs.

In addition to the six inflatable SUPs I recommend, this post also includes a few tips on choosing the right SUP for you and your dog as well as a few safety and dog training considerations. Whether you’re first-time paddle boarders or have been using them for years, read on for the best inflatable stand up paddle boards for large dogs!

Choosing the best inflatable paddle board for dogs can be a bit overwhelming. There are a few important factors to consider like size, weight capacity, stability, and price. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! To start, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about choosing inflatable boards versus hard boards.

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How To Stand Up Paddle Board with Large Dogs

People always give me a lot of looks and smiles when they see me out on the water with my dog Lucy. They usually think it’s funny that my dog is on a paddleboard with me. She’s a 75-pound labrador so she looks pretty big standing with me in the middle of the water!

A lot of people share videos online of paddleboarding with little dogs, but I want you to feel like this fun watersport is accessible to dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages!

One thing I love about paddleboarding with my dog is that it’s a low-impact activity. Lucy loves the water and swimming, but she’s getting older and I don’t want her to overdo it. Since your dog can just lay down on the board while you do all the work, it’s a great enriching activity for senior dogs.

Paddleboarding is also a great way to bond with your dog and get some fresh air together. Since our first time paddleboarding together in 2019, Lucy and I have been able to enjoy a whole other side of our city from the water!

Inflatable Paddleboards for SUP with Your Pup

Inflatable paddle boards are a great option for stand-up paddle boarding with your pup for a few reasons: they’re inflatable so they’re easy to transport and store, they’re very stable so even large dogs can stay on board, and they’re affordable. But some people may still be hesitant to use an inflatable SUP with their fur baby.

One of the biggest misconceptions about inflatable boards is that they aren’t sturdy or that they can be punctured by your dog’s nails.

I assure you that I’ve been paddleboarding with my labrador for years and we’ve never had any issues. All of the inflatable paddle boards that I recommend in this post are very sturdy often made from military grade material.

I did so much research before buying my SUP and feel confident that the martial is sturdy enough to use with small dogs and larger dogs alike. Keep in mind, that I always make sure to trim Lucy’s nails before we go out. That’s something you might want to do when you get into paddle boarding, too.

Once inflated, the boards are extremely rigid. You almost can’t tell the difference between a solid board and an inflatable one. They are not flimsy like a raft or inner tube. When filled to the correct pressure (or PSI) your board will be solid and sturdy enough to support the combined weight of you and your dog together.

Another great thing about inflatable paddle boards is that they are incredibly easy to transport and store. MyBOTE Breeze Board comes in a giant backpack that holds the board, removable fun, air pump, adjustable paddle and even a repair kit!

When the board is tucked away in the storage bag it’s so easy to store in my basement and toss in the backseat of my car when we get the urge to hit the water. If you had a solid board the only way to transport it would be a truck or big van. That doesn’t work for most people.

Best Inflatable Paddle Boards: Top 6 for Large Dogs

Now that you know some of the reasons why an inflatable paddle-board is a great option for SUP with your large dog, let’s get into my top six recommendations.

I’ve included a mix of boards at different price points and with different features to help you find the best board for your needs. They’re made out of different materials, such as PVC, polyethylene, and nylon.

The most important qualities I look for in the best inflatable paddle board for dogs are:

• Board Length and Width
• Weight Capacity

In my experience, those two qualities separate the best inflatable paddle board for dogs from the rest.

A wide board is more stable and a better option than something narrow for SUP with your large dog because it provides more surface area for your pet to stand on. This also makes the board less likely to tip over, which can be dangerous for both you and your pup.

If you’re going to be going out with a big dog like mine (Lucy is about 75 lbs), you’ll need a bigger board. I always recommend getting a SUP that is at least 10 feet long and at least 30 inches wide. This will give your dog more stability and balance when standing up. A larger board like this will also give you both plenty of room to stand without feeling crowded.

The weight capacity is also important to look for when choosing a board. You want to make sure that the SUP can support the combined weight of both of you (or all three if you have more than one dog).

Lastly, a soft traction pad is also important on a SUP because it provides a better grip for your furry friend and prevents them from slipping off the board. It’s like having yoga mat material on top of the durable PVC material of the board.

Many inflatable paddle boards come with a traction pad already affixed to the top. If your board doesn’t have one or it’s starting to wear down, you can purchase one separately. I’ve also seen some pet parents attach extra traction pads to the places where their dog likes to hang out on their board, or to the sides to help them climb back on board after a swim break.

1. Bote Breese Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle

This is the inflatable board that I have been using for over 2 years. It’s really high quality and easy to pump up with air, thanks to the included hand pump. It takes me less than 10 minutes to pump it up to the recommended PSI. I love the bungee cords at the front because they can hold Lucy’s leash and my rubber flip flops while we’re on the water.

The top of this board is also almost entirely covered with a soft, grippy traction pad. That prevents me and Lucy from slipping and it protects the surface of the board from dog nail scratches.

When I bought this board I was really sold on it because of the weight capacity. It can support up to 315 pounds. I had a vision of me, Lucy and my other dog Burt all stand up paddleboarding together! I wanted to get a board that could handle the weight of me plus 2 big dogs.

All three of us have gone out a few times together (that’s when we really get a lot of looks!) but Burt isn’t as much of a fan of the water so these days he mostly stays at home while Lucy and I paddle around Pittsburgh.

Overall, this is a stable board and a great choice for any dog owner. Since I have it and love it, I’m going to go out and say this is the best inflatable paddle board for dogs!

Length and Width: 11’6″ long and 34″ wide
Weight Capacity: 315 pounds
> Purchase this Bote board through my affiliate link on REI

2. IRocker Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Another great and popular inflatable paddleboard is the IRocker Cruiser. I see this come up on a lot of lists and considered it myself when I was buying my board. It’s stable and easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for beginners. It also comes in a lot of colors beyond the typical blue and turquoise for most SUP boards.

The iRocker is in the same affordable price range as the Bote Board, but you might find it on sale for less! It has a lot of features that make it great for any skill level. The built-in bungee system is perfect for holding your stuff while you’re on the water. I use my bungees to hold Lucy’s leash, my sandals, and a water bottle clipped on with a carabiner.

The IRocker comes with a manual pump or you can purchase an electric air pump. The electric air pump is awesome because it means you can inflate your board in under five minutes and you don’t have to tire out your arms at all!

This board has a really great weight limit (the highest on this list!) which means it could even work for dog moms with extra-large dog breeds like a Malamute, Great Dane or Newfoundland!

Length and Width: 10’6″ long and 33″ wide
Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
> Purchase directly on the iRocker website

 

3. Hala Rado Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The most expensive of the inflatable stand up paddleboards I looked at is the Hala Rado, available on REI. While it’s on the expensive side, you often get what you pay for. This inflatable SUP is extremely sturdy and durable. Even though I don’t usually like to take my inflatable board on choppy water because I get tossed around, this board says it can handle it!

That durability also makes this board a little on the heavy side, so that’s something to consider if you’re going to have to carry your board from the car to the water.

This board is also a bit wider and longer than the others, which makes it great for dogs. The only downside to the width is that with that extra space your dog might want to walk around and explore the board. That can make things a little unsteady if you’re new to SUP!

If you’re looking for a super durable inflatable SUP that can handle a large dog (or two!) and is built to last then this Hala Rado model could be the best inflatable paddle board for you and your dog!

Length and Width: 10’10” long and 35″ wide
Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
> Purchase through my affiliate link on REI

 

4. ROC Inflatable Stand UP Paddleboard

The ROC inflatable paddleboard is a great option for anyone looking for an inflatable board that’s more affordable. This is your budget option. Maybe you’re brand new to paddle boarding and not sure how often you’ll do it. In that case, I would pick a more budget-friendly board like this one.

Even at the budget price point, this board still comes with everything you need to start exploring the water with your dog. You getthe complete package: the board, collapsible aluminum paddle, removable fin, safety leash, hand pump, waterproof bag for essentials such as a cell phone and keys, and a backpack to hold it all. Pretty impressive!

The ROC inflatable board also has a soft foam traction pad on the top. It’s a good, reliable SUP option for you and your large breed dog!

Length and Width: 10′ long and 32″ wide
Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
> Purchase through my affiliate link on Walmart

 

5. Isle Pioneer Inflatable SUP 

The Isle Pioneer inflatable SUP board is one of the more popular boards for pet owners. It comes at an accessible price point that makes it great for beginners. I like the width, the double bungee cords and the built-in paddle holder clips. Those would be great when you just want to float and enjoy relaxing on the water alongside your dog.

This inflatable paddle board is made with military-grade PVC and can hold up to 285 lbs. It’s also lightweight which makes it easier to transport. If you’re walking from the car to the water, carrying your board, and holding on to your dog’s leash a lighter board will be a good thing!

Because this board is more lightweight, it’s a good choice for calm waters like small lakes and quiet waterways. This would not be a good option for rivers or a big body of water on a windy day.

Length and Width: 10’6″ long and 34″ wide
Weight Capacity: 285 pounds
> Purchase directly through ISLE

 

6. POP Paddleboards Yacht Hopper Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard

The last inflatable SUP I recommend for dog moms is the POP Paddleboards Yacht Hopper. This board has a really cool design with a wood-grain look. That makes it stand out from all the other inflatable boards. I also love how the traction deck pad really does from tip to tail. Your dog will enjoy that!

This board has a weight capacity of 325 pounds and it’s a longer board than the others on my list. That means you could easily bring along two dogs and everyone would have plenty of space during your paddle boarding adventures.

This board has a really distinctive design that caught my eye. I think it would be perfect for long distances and excursions since it has the extra space to bring along supplies. Don’t forget snacks for you and your dog!

Length and Width: 11′ long and 32″ wide
Weight Capacity: 285 pounds
> Purchase through my affiliate link on Backcountry

There you go! Those are my honest dog mom recommendations for the best paddle boards for large dogs! I hope this list helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect board for you and your pup. SUPing with your dog is such a fun way to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors.

More Paddleboards that are great for dogs:
Dog SUP Board by SeaDog: this Canadian company makes a great SUP board that would be perfect for dogs of all sizes to go paddling with you

Other Essentials to Paddle Board with Your Dog

Now that you have some options for the best inflatable paddle board for dogs, you’ll be ready to hit the water with your best friend! Before you do, I wanted to recommend a few other items to take with you.

You’re going to want these safety items, too:

• a dog life jacket (we have the RuffWear Float Coat)
• waterproof leash and collar
• A PFD for yourself

When paddle boarding with your big dog, it’s very important to have dog life jackets on them for when they jump (or fall) in the water. Even if they know how to swim! My dog Lucy is a labrador, so she’s got swimming in her genes. But the life vest is essential to give you something to grab onto and get your dog back up on the board.

With a bigger dog over 50 lbs you want a sturdy handle on top of their vest that you can grab onto. Also, make sure the vest fits snugly before you get in the water. If it’s a loose fit your dog could fall out of it when you try to hoist them up. That would not be fun!

Speaking of getting back on the board… the most asked question I get about stand up paddleboarding with Lucy is how I get her back up after she jumps off. I made a video showing the best way to do this by using the life vest as a handle. You’ll probably have to do this a lot with your dog so practice in shallow water first.

I also recommend using a waterproof biothane leash and collar when you do watersports with your dog. Their special rubber-coated material won’t get stinky like a regular nylon set. I’ve tried several different kinds and recommend you buy from High Tail Hikes, a woman-owned pet brand in San Francisco (I had the founder on my podcast!).

Where you “put in” at the water might be crowded on a beautiful summer day. So make sure to leash your dog up to keep them safe as you head back to your car. 

The last item on the list is a PFD (personal flotation device) for yourself! I always recommend wearing one when paddle boarding, even for good swimmers.

One time I was out on a lake with my family on a mix of kayaks and paddleboards and a storm rolled in very quickly and unexpectedly. We had to get out of the water ASAP and it was a little scary. In times like those, you’ll be thankful to have a life vest (on you and your furry friend!).

One other thing that’s not essential but it is on my wish list is a kayak seat. Most paddleboards have d-rings around the board that you can use to clip on accessories… including a little kayak seat. As much as I enjoy paddling around, I really love relaxing on my BOTE board with Lucy and admiring nature. If I had a seat it would be even more comfortable.

Get Started Paddle Boarding with Your Big Dog

After reading this post, you know what inflatable board you’re going to buy and you’ve been researching good places to get on the water near you. So you’re all ready to go!

Not so fast…

Before you go out for your first paddle, it’s a good idea to do some positive reinforcement training for your dog with the board on dry land. I wrote a separate blog post about training your dog to enjoy stand up paddle boarding with you.

It is important to take the time and set your dog up for success with this new adventure. You’ll be less stressed on the water when you feel prepared. Since your dog feeds off of your energy and emotions, you want to be excited to get them on the board rather than scared of what will happen.

My last piece of advice for your paddle board adventures: Don’t forget to pack plenty of towels for you, your dog and to wipe off your board.

Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped you find the best inflatable paddle board for dogs, especially the large breeds that we love so much! SUPing with your pup is a great way to spend time together and enjoy nature. Check out my other recommendations for essential gear to take with you, and remember to do some training with your dog before hitting the water. Have fun!

If you like this post, check out these:
SUP with Your Pup: How to Paddle Board with Your Dog
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4 Essentials for your Dog Friendly Car
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