A Guide to Paddleboarding with your Dog
You wouldn’t take your dog on a hike without a leash and proper training—so why would you put them on a paddleboard without the right preparation?
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with your dog is an incredible way to bond, explore nature, and create unforgettable memories. But without the proper training and safety measures, what seems like a peaceful adventure can quickly turn into a stressful or even dangerous situation.
In SUP with your Pup: A Guide to Paddleboarding with your Dog, author, paddleboarder, and dog lover G. Scott Graham delivers the essential roadmap to getting both you and your pup paddle-ready. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler looking to introduce your dog to the board or a beginner seeking guidance, this book will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make every outing safe, fun, and rewarding.
Why This Book?
✓ Ensure Your Dog’s Safety on the Water – Learn how to prevent accidents, handle emergencies, and keep your pup secure, even in unpredictable conditions.
✓ Train Your Dog for SUP Success – Go beyond basic obedience with specialized paddleboarding commands, balance training, and strategies to help your dog feel comfortable on the board.
✓ Master the Essential Skills – From reboarding after a fall to navigating waves and turns, you’ll gain expert insights on how to paddle with confidence alongside your dog.
✓ Choose the Right Gear – Get expert recommendations on the best paddleboards, safety gear, and accessories to maximize comfort and stability for both you and your pup.
✓ Strengthen Your Bond – Build trust and teamwork with your dog while embarking on an exciting new adventure together.
Who Is This Book For?
Dog owners who want to safely introduce their pup to paddleboarding.
Stand-up paddleboarders looking to enhance their skills while paddling with a dog.
Outdoor adventurers who want to experience the water with their best friend—without unnecessary risks.
Paddleboarding with your dog isn’t just about balance—it’s about trust, preparation, and making every moment on the water enjoyable and stress-free.
If you’re ready to share your SUP adventures with your pup the right way, SUP with your Pup is the ultimate guide to getting started.
Grab your copy today and start paddling with confidence!
SUP with Your Pup is a unique and heartfelt guide to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with your dog. Written by G. Scott Graham, this book is more than just an instructional manual — it’s a personal journey of adventure, resilience, and the deep bond between a man and his dogs. The book blends practical how-to advice with personal anecdotes, humor, and insightful training strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, Graham provides useful guidance for making paddleboarding a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.
What’s Great About “SUP with Your Pup”
✅ A Deeply Personal and Engaging Narrative
Unlike many dry instructional books, SUP with Your Pup weaves in Graham’s own experiences with his dogs, Groot and Rocket. These stories add warmth and relatability, making the reader feel like they’re learning from a friend rather than a manual. The emotional depth, especially his reflections on loss, healing, and finding new purpose through paddleboarding, adds a touching layer to the book.✅ Comprehensive and Practical Advice
The book covers everything a beginner or even an experienced paddleboarder needs to know when introducing a dog to the sport. Topics include choosing the right board, essential gear like PFDs (life jackets) for both humans and dogs, teaching key commands, handling unexpected situations, and maintaining balance on the water.✅ Clear, Actionable Training Techniques
Graham’s approach to dog training is structured, using clear commands and positive reinforcement. The clicker training section is particularly useful for anyone struggling to get their dog comfortable on the board. The breakdown of each command — like “Spot” (stay in a designated place) and “Heave-Ho” (lift onto the board) — provides readers with a step-by-step method to train their dogs effectively.✅ Humor and Personality
Graham’s writing is lighthearted, witty, and engaging. The sections written from the dogs’ perspectives (the “Growls and Howls” dialogues) add humor and charm, making the book even more enjoyable to read. It’s clear he loves his dogs and enjoys sharing his experiences in a fun, accessible way.✅ Great for Any Skill Level
Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or an experienced paddler, this book provides value. Beginners will appreciate the detailed safety tips and step-by-step instructions, while more experienced paddlers will enjoy the training insights and real-life stories.What Could Be Improved in “SUP with Your Pup”
❌ Some Sections Feel Repetitive
Because safety is such a core theme in the book, Graham reinforces certain points multiple times — such as the importance of wearing a PFD and training before heading out on the water. While these are crucial lessons, some readers might find the repetition a bit excessive.❌ More Visuals Would Be Helpful
While the explanations are clear, diagrams or photos demonstrating techniques (such as lifting a dog back onto a board or positioning for balance) would enhance the learning experience. Visual learners might find it harder to absorb some of the more technical details without accompanying images.❌ A Bit Heavy on Personal Reflections for a Guidebook
For readers looking purely for a step-by-step instructional manual, some of the personal anecdotes — especially the sections about grief and healing — might feel like they take up too much space. While these stories add emotional depth, they might not be what every reader is looking for.Final Verdict: Who Should Read This?
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5SUP with Your Pup is an excellent book for dog lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to introduce their furry companion to paddleboarding. Graham’s blend of personal storytelling, expert advice, and humor makes this guide both informative and entertaining.
If you’re looking for a book that’s just a dry list of paddleboarding techniques, this might not be for you. But if you want a well-rounded, heartfelt, and practical guide to paddling with your pup — one that teaches you the why as well as the how — this is a fantastic choice.