Best Dog-friendly Kayaks – What’s the point of enjoying kayaking if you can’t share it with your best friend in the world – your furry, four-legged friend? That’s why my goal is to present you the best kayaks for dogs and help you choose…
He is the founder and editor himself. With over 20 years of experience in a variety of water sports, he provides trustworthy reviews and expert advice to help others pursue their passion for swimming. When he’s not working, you can find him paddle boarding, paddle boarding, or planning your next water adventure with family and friends.
Best Dog-friendly Kayaks
What’s the point of enjoying kayaking if you can’t share it with your best friend in the world – your furry, four-legged friend?
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That’s why my goal is to introduce you to the best dog kayaks and help you choose one that you and your pup will love!
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Overall, yes, swimming with dogs is safe, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to take precautions, plan, practice, and prepare. It’s like kayaking with kids.
First, you need to take many precautions, get to know the dog and get it used to being in a kayak and being on the water.
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You can’t throw your dog into a kayak and expect to learn what it is, how it works, and what you do with it.
As smart as your dog is, from their point of view your kayak is nothing more than a weird-looking, large piece of plastic. It’s completely understandable that they feel a little hesitant and even scared.
My advice is to start slowly, be patient and give your dog a chance to explore, smell and get used to the kayak.
Here are some tips on how to kayak with your dog and make each trip as safe as possible for everyone involved – human and non-human alike:
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Some kayaks are advertised as “dog friendly”, which certainly makes the choice easier, although it’s not always that simple.
Most of my top picks don’t mention dogs anywhere. But does the fact that they are not advertised as dog-friendly make them dog-friendly?
The design, features and specifications of the kayak, as well as a few additional features, are more important than the dog-friendly marketing label. I’ll get into more detail in a moment – but let’s start with a quick overview of the best types of kayaks for dogs.
You may be surprised that inflatable kayaks are not on the list. I don’t blame you for wondering:
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Yes! You have no reason to doubt the durability or safety of inflatable kayaks – not considering recent advances in manufacturing techniques and improvements in overall design.
Today’s inflatables are thin. The risk of tears and burns is minimal – even if your dog’s feet are round.
As I mentioned earlier, kayaks are rarely labeled as “dog friendly,” but that doesn’t mean they aren’t safe for you and your pup.
So if you’re hoping that the whole process of choosing the best kayak for dogs will be as easy as finding one that’s advertised as dog-friendly, I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.
Half Moon Bay Kayak Co.
There is no denying that choosing the best kayak for a dog is difficult. It is important to pay attention to the most important features, such as those described below.
Most plastic kayaks – made of high-density polyethylene – are strong enough to withstand a dog’s claws and teeth. In the worst case scenario, there will be minor, cosmetic scratches on the kayak.
However, if you do decide to go with a hard shell kayak, I would advise against fiberglass – and composite materials in general – no matter how good they are.
First of all, they cost a lot of money. Secondly, composite kayaks are prone to scratches, which makes them not a good choice for paddlers and dogs.
Dog Friendly Kayaks
As I explained earlier, inflatable kayaks are a safe option. However, make sure that the kayak is made of a durable, puncture-resistant material, such as high-quality vinyl.
Stability is probably one of the most important aspects of a dog-friendly kayak, second only to the durability of the kayak itself.
Dog parents already know this very well, and I certainly don’t need to state the obvious – but the point is:
You can’t expect your four-legged companion to sit perfectly for hours in a small plastic boat.
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The sooner you realize that dogs can’t sit still – and that work rarely goes from start to finish – the better.
That’s why it’s important to buy a kayak that’s durable enough – and the dimensions of the kayak are usually a good indicator of this. In addition to the length of the kayak, if you want to increase stability, it’s worth considering the width – or beam – of the kayak.
Typically, checking a kayak’s weight capacity is all about figuring out how much weight you want to carry on an average trip, and leaving some room for unexpected events that just happen, right?
Well, you still need to do all this, but you also need to consider the size and weight of your dog, especially if he is small.
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So grab your dog, hop on the scale and check your total weight. Then roughly estimate the weight of your gear and equipment and add it to your total weight.
The first is Ocean Kayak’s Malibu Two – a recreational tandem with a seating area. The kayak setup has several features that make it a good choice for dog owners:
It supports solo and tandem paddling, and at the same time allows you to add a third passenger, either a child or a dog. Considering this information, it has a capacity of 425 pounds.
Your dog probably doesn’t mind the Comfort Plus seats and their four-way adjustment, but I’m betting. As for your wallet, they can enjoy the comfort and width of the kayak’s open deck for sitting and the stability provided by the 34-inch beam.
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It’s a little heavy at 57 pounds, but since it’s a two-person kayak, I wouldn’t say it’s that bad. This is actually quite reasonable for a tandem.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly stand-up kayak, look no further than the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two. This is an extravagant “Jak” that can accommodate the whole family!
I would say that the Sea Eagle 420X Explorer Pro is built to the highest standards, is very strong, durable and a very durable inflatable – but I will let the features and specifications do the talking.
Made of 1000 denier reinforced PVC with interlocking seams, three compartments and a high pressure stitched floor. Additionally, it has 16 self-relieving valves, 26 D-ring connections, and a reasonable load capacity of 855 pounds.
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Still, it weighs 44 pounds, giving you and your dog the comfort and space of a large kayak—without the hassle of transportation.
My only gripe with the 420X Explorer Pro is the price, which isn’t exactly cheap, but considering what you get for the money, that shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
The Sea Eagle 420X Explorer Pro is the most advanced inflatable kayak on the market and the best inflatable dog kayak in every respect.
Want to go kayaking with your dog? However, the Perception Pescador Pro 12 may be the right kayak for you.
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Since this is a kayak intended for fishing, the included accessory rails, rod holders, and 375-pound weight capacity should come as no surprise.
However, 64 pounds can be heavy – especially if you can’t ask your four-legged friend to help you ride.
You get a seat resembling a garden chair with two-position adjustment, and your dog can enjoy all the comforts of an open terrace with storage space at the bow. Granted, you’ll have to give up some onboard storage, but you still have plenty of storage space in the back in case of bungee theft.
If you’re ready to get fishing and want to take your dog with you, the Pescador Pro 12 from Perception is a sturdy and comfortable sit-on-top kayak you should check out!
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The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is not only one of the cheapest kayaks on the market today, but also one of the best options for paddlers and dogs.
It’s roomy, comfortable and durable – and with a weight capacity of 650 pounds, it can accommodate three people. Or, in your case, a man with a large dog.
The kayak shell is made of 38 mm thick polyacrylate or K80 PVC, making the Sea Eagle 370 Pro tear-resistant and extremely durable.
