Hello Seabreezers,
I was hoping that I may be able to get some advice from some experienced paddle boarders as I really need some help. This is my first post on this forum but as I have recently caught the paddle board bug, I am hoping it wont be my last.
My gf and I are both new to paddle boarding after giving it a crack on a recent trip home to visit the parents...safe to say that we had an absolute ball and are now looking to purchase our own boards.. As we are currently house hunting along the mornington peninsula we are keen to make sure we get the right boards as we plan on spending a fair bit of time on them.
I am hoping that I might be able to get a bit of guidance on what sort of board we need to look for? I have done a bit of reading on it all myself and have worked out that as we will mainly be paddling on fairly flat water with some smallish waves and the fact that we are beginners starting off with something like a 30inch width and a planning hull seems like the right place to start..What I am unsure about is what length and volume we need...I am approx 6ft and 85kgs...my gf is about 5ft 10 and approx 65kgs - our dog loves to get involved in the action as well and that's what I am unable to work out... Is there a type of board/legnth/volume that is better suited for a not so little furry friend to sit on the front of, or is safer to get a custom board made? IF so, any idea what specs?
If the weight of the dog helps, ziggy is about 25kg's but we are expecting another dog in the new year which is a much larger breed and could grow to 65kgs' plus.
As the dogs have a much lower centre of gravity than we do I am unable to work out what sort of impact they will have on the board..
Does anyone have any experience with a dog on a paddle board? Am I completely dreaming about sharing a board with my dog or is it possible?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Matty
Probably have a look at these boards mentioned on the "boards for big guys" thread
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Big-guy-board-Advice-for-SUP/
For you and best mate that could be up to 65kg I'd be suggesting something around 11-11'6 and 30-34" wide about 200-240L.
dogs love SUP (mine really enjoys driving around on a board; he's happy because he doesn't need to swim 
)
well, i've drive around many dogs on differend SUP boards (dogs form 6 to 40kg). I have to say, that inflatable boards did the best job for dogs!
1. not so "slippery" on the nose; no need to wax it for a dog
2. not many scratches on the top (because of claws)
3. a bit more volume in the nose
I have a bigger dog, 35 kg. First year we were cruising on rigid 10 footer (32 wide). I have to say it was a bit tippy with this beast on. One day friend's dog (40kg) had a go with me on this rigid 10 footer; he was sticking with his claws so hard that he schrached the nose and pad.
This year I switched on 10'6''x32 RED ride inflatable and we both really enjoyed cruising around. I barerly feel that I have 35 kg beast on the board, stabile and fun. My dog also loves it as it is not so slippery and tippy on the nose as his ex board. I was surprised, i found RED paddle SUP "claw scratch proof".
if you will SUP with a dog on most of the time go wide. 33 or more. Especialy with 65kg dog on it. 65kg is a lot!
Take a look on Starboard inflatable astro collection 2015. Or RED paddle co sup boards.
Beware of materials you choose, if you will pick up inflatable, take a look at the construction, layers; thicker "layers"/skin are/is better for your needs.
Cheers!:)
@GizzieNZ @Towny @SUPHIREAUS @NEpaddleThank you all for the help guys.. I really appreciate the quick response and the much needed advice.
I'll start checking out some of the boards that have been mentioned and let you guys know how I get on.
I'm sure a read on here a while back that some of the guys in WA were using the Fanatic Ray with a piece of carpet stuck on the front for thier fury friends traction and comfort, the Ray would be a good board for what you're after, wide enough, plenty of glide and stable.
Select to expand quoteTowny said..
My little girl luv's to put 10 of her toes on the nose
Love this Towny.
Peegz, have a look at the 9'5 Jimmy Lewis Striker. It has a full length deck pad and would be perfect for a mix of flat water and waves.
Cheers Joffa Dan & Suphireaus i'll check those boards as well... Thanks for all the suggestions guys... really appreciated
Got an 11'4" Naish Nalu. Added some clear deck grip to the front section so the dog doesn't scratch it or slip off
I'm 92 big ones and the dog (staffy) is about 18kg. Easy to paddle and take him out but you need to watch out fir the movement. The dog will move in directions you're not ready for and this us what will kill you. You'll need bigger than I have...
Go the biggest board your ego will allow. 
The wider the better. We have a 55kg Great Dane / Ridgeback who looks like Bambi on ice when we get her on the board. We have a heap of deck pads which will stop your hound from sliding. Inflatables are good but our Waterborn simplicity 11 footer is perfect for our dog/pony.
Select to expand quoteflowmaster said..
Select to expand quoteTimBurleigh said..
Here Buddah... Good Doggy/beast
that one looks perfect... If I fall off that one, than I need to take a long hard look at myself.
However,if Budda falls off, how ever can I get him back up, do these come with a crane ?
I SUP with my dog all the time! Surprisingly with four legs, my dog is very agile on the board and has very little impact on my balance. I am about 81kgs and my dog is about 20kg. Any board with sufficient width (30-32") and volume 180+L should be fine. I find the Naish Nalu 10'10x32x200L and Red Inflatable 10'6x32 to both be super stable and I can even put my daughters and dog on either of these boards so with your larger dog I think you would be fine there too. At 140L it is harder for me to paddle with my dog on my Laird Surfer.
In picking a board, at some level, I think what you want to do with the board outside of your dog riding it will be equally important. For example, a Naish Nalu 11'6 should have sufficient volume and be good in the surf; at 14' a Naish Glide is faster and could be downwinded and your dog can ride it...etc. I also find I can take my dog on my 14x28 race board because it has the volume no problem. Hope this helps.
Andrew
You may want to get one of these for your dog. Mine jumps off when he needs to go for a pee. At one time I was supping a little offshore and I had to chase him upwind. It was a long swim, I couldn't catch up to hi, and I was getting worried.
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