What is the most important thing when you are paddleboarding?

When you’re paddleboarding, the most important thing is a combination of balance and safety awareness. Good balance keeps you on the board; good safety habits keep you coming back for more sessions. The great news? Both can be learned and improved quickly—especially on a stable, high-quality board like a NIXY inflatable stand up paddle board.

One of the most fun (and surprisingly natural) ways to work on your balance is by paddleboarding with your dog. Dogs often adapt to SUP faster than we do, and they’re incredible at staying relaxed and centered on the board—even in bumpy water.

Balance, Safety, and Paddling with Your Dog

Balance is the core skill in stand up paddleboarding, but it doesn’t exist on its own. When you’re on the water—especially with a dog—these three things matter most:

• Balance: Staying relaxed, centered over the board, and moving smoothly.
• Safety: Wearing a PFD, using a leash when appropriate, and choosing conditions that match your skill level.
• Confidence: Feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the moment, not just survive it.

A stable board, calm water, and a bit of practice will take care of most of that. Bringing your dog along just adds to the fun.

Dogs Have Incredible Natural Balance

If you’ve ever seen a dog on a skateboard, surfboard, or paddleboard, you know how naturally they seem to handle motion. Many dogs instinctively keep low, adjust their stance, and ride out bumps and waves like tiny pros.

That’s why paddleboarding with your dog is more realistic than it might seem at first. With the right board and a patient approach, most dogs:

• Learn to stay on the board quickly.
• Adjust their stance as the water moves.
• Often stay standing longer than their humans.

Here’s a fun example of dogs surfing and riding boards in action:

Pretty amazing, right? You don’t need to surf waves like that to enjoy the experience. A calm lake or bay, a stable inflatable SUP, and your pup at the front of the board is more than enough for a great day outside.

How to Start Paddleboarding with Your Dog

The first few sessions should be slow, calm, and focused on building trust. Here’s a simple step-by-step way to get started:

1. Start in shallow water.
   Place your board in the water near the shore or dock so it’s floating freely but easy to reach.
2. Invite your dog onto the board.
   Hold the board steady and gently encourage your dog to step onto the front area of the deck pad. Treats can help.
3. Begin on your knees.
   Climb onto the board and stay on your knees at first. This keeps your center of gravity low and makes the board feel more stable for both of you.
4. Practice short, slow paddles.
   Take a few strokes, then pause. Let your dog feel the movement, praise them, and keep the experience calm and positive.
5. Stand up gradually.
   When both of you seem relaxed, stand up slowly while keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your eyes on the horizon.

Plan on a few short sessions instead of one long one. Expect your dog to shift around, sit, or lie down. If they jump off, stay relaxed, bring them back to the board, and try again.

Safety Tips for SUP with Your Dog

• Use a PFD for both of you. A personal flotation device for you and a dog-specific life jacket for your pup are always smart choices.
• Choose calm conditions. Avoid strong wind, chop, or heavy boat traffic for your early sessions.
• Keep sessions short at first. Give your dog a chance to build confidence without getting overwhelmed.
• Watch for signs of fatigue. Both for you and your dog—rest often, hydrate, and head in early if anyone seems tired or stressed.

NIXY Boards That Work Great with Dogs

Not all boards feel the same with a dog on the front. Extra stability and a comfortable deck pad make a big difference. At NIXY, we make several inflatable SUPs that are especially dog-friendly:

• Venice G5 Yoga & Cruiser: Our widest board with an ultra-stable platform and a soft, full-length traction pad that’s easy on paws and knees. Ideal for relaxed paddles, yoga, and sharing the board with your dog.
  View the NIXY Venice
• Newport All-Around: A versatile all-around inflatable stand up paddle board with a great balance of stability and glide. Perfect for everyday paddling with or without your dog.
  View the NIXY Newport
• Monterey Touring: For paddlers who want to go farther with their dog on board, the Monterey offers efficient glide and extra tie-down points for gear and pet essentials. The Monterey is the largest SUP that we offer. Plenty of space for your dog to do a big stretch.
  View the NIXY Monterey

All NIXY inflatable paddle boards are built with advanced materials and construction so they feel rigid underfoot, even with extra weight up front. They pack into a compact bag, fit in your car, and can be inflated in minutes—making it easy to bring your dog along on last-minute adventures.

Final Thoughts

Paddle boarding with your dog is one of the most rewarding, low-stress ways to enjoy the water. It improves your balance, strengthens your bond, and turns ordinary walks into mini adventures.

Remember the essentials:

• Choose a stable inflatable SUP.
• Introduce your dog slowly and positively.
• Use PFDs and pick calm conditions.
• Keep things fun—short, relaxed, and pressure-free.

The photo for this post comes from Rose Kuljerich, whose relaxed Shiba Inu perfectly captures the calm joy of cruising on an inflatable SUP. As you can see, her dog is wearing a flotation device—always a smart idea when you’re on open water.

Need help deciding which SUP is right for you (and your pup)? Read our inflatable paddle board buyer's guide for expert advice and a breakdown of each NIXY paddleboard model.

We’d love to see your adventures! Share your paddle board photos and stories with us at chat@nixysports.com so we can highlight your experiences with the NIXY community.