Paddleboarding With a Dog in Fall: Safety Tips for Colder Water
Kelowna, Canada - September 11, 2026 / Canadian Board Company /
Canadian Board Company is reminding paddlers who bring dogs onto stand-up paddleboards that fall conditions change the risk for every passenger on the board, including the four-legged one.
A dog that swims confidently in summer can still become tired, disoriented, or difficult to recover after an unexpected swim. Colder water, wind, rougher conditions, and fewer easy exits from the water make it more important to plan the trip around the dog as well as the paddler.
"People plan the whole trip around themselves and then bring the dog," said Jaeger Johnson, co-owner of Canadian Board Company. "In the fall you plan it around the dog too, because they cannot tell you when the outing has become too much."
Use a Properly Fitted Dog Life Jacket
Major canine-safety organizations recommend life jackets for dogs during water activities even when the dog is a strong swimmer. CBC's advice is the same: swimming ability should not be the entire safety plan.
A dog life jacket should fit securely without restricting natural movement. The animal should be able to walk, sit, and swim normally while the jacket stays in place.
CBC's current dog life vest includes layered flotation foam, an adjustable neck collar, under-belly protection, side adjustment, and a reinforced grab handle. The handle is especially useful on a paddleboard because it provides a controlled point to help a dog back onto the deck.
Visibility matters as well. Bright construction makes a dog easier to spot against grey water, waves, or lower autumn light.
Plan the Route Around Recovery
Before launching, owners should think about what happens if the dog leaves the board. Is there a beach or low shoreline nearby? Can the dog climb out on its own? Can the paddler safely help the dog back onto the board?
A high dock, steep bank, or rocky shoreline may be manageable in summer but much less forgiving when a wet dog is tired.
CBC recommends keeping fall outings shorter, staying closer to shore, bringing fresh drinking water, and carrying a towel or warm layer for the dog. End the session if the dog shows signs of fatigue, stress, shivering, or reluctance to continue.
Do Not Create a Tethering Hazard
The paddler still needs the correct leash setup for the board and water conditions, but the dog should not be tied to the paddleboard or another watercraft in a way that could trap it if the craft flips or catches on an obstacle.
Instead, focus on supervision, a stable board with enough capacity for the combined load, a properly fitted dog life jacket, practical water exits, and a recovery plan that has been practiced before it is needed.
"Getting a wet dog back onto a board is harder than people expect," said Tarryn Johnson, co-owner of Canadian Board Company. "The grab handle, the board's stability, and staying close to a safe exit all matter when you actually have to do it."
Dog owners can browse Canadian Board Company's dog life jackets and water safety gear or call the Kelowna team at 1-800-399-5260 for sizing help before the next paddle.
Contact Information:
Canadian Board Company
8750 Jim Bailey Cres, 107
Kelowna, BC V4V1E5
Canada
Tarryn Johnson
+1-800-399-5260
https://www.canadianboardco.com
