Kayaking is one of the best recreational activities to do in water as well as in sports. You may decide to go kayaking in your nearest lake or on your next trip. But you can’t leave behind your dog in your house or from the land while you enjoy the splash of water.
Spending your favorite leisure activity while bringing along your dog should not worry you anymore. Nothing stops you from enjoying it with your dog. Here, you will know the best kayaks for your dog and tips on how to keep your dog safe and enjoy your kayaking adventure.
Dog-Friendly Kayak Buyers Guide
There are many great choices for your kayaks out there in the market. It won’t be easy to choose when there are a lot of options. This is why it is wise to know which factors you must consider getting your great choice. Here are a few you must consider in choosing the excellent kayak choice for you and your dog.
Dimension size and weight of your dog, as well as the width of your kayak, must be the first things to consider in your choice. The size and weight of your dog, whether it is a big or small dog, would determine what kind of kayak you will need.
If you have a large dog, you must make sure your kayak can hold yours and your dog’s weight. Also, if you have the equipment, you must consider this additional weight. Otherwise, you may sink or have paddling problems right from the start of your kayaking.
You need to make sure that your kayak is well-sized for your dog. Because dogs, whether well-trained or not, would find a way to move around.
The width of your kayak is also one important thing. You would not want your dog to be slipping or falling out of your kayak. So, both of your dog’s front and back feet must fit comfortably on the kayak.
Safety
Safety is critical for a smooth ride. You need to prepare your dog before kayaking. This is why security measures are essential for you and your dog. Here are some important reminders to ensure your and your dog’s safety.
At all times, let your dog wear its PFD or Personal Flotation DeviceIfat it doesn’t have any PFD. You may still use its leash to keep it safe and near the boat. You must also bring enough food and water for your dog and other things needed by your dog, such as its bed or food bowl.
Remain in still waters. If you have been staying under the sun, sun cream is highly recommended.
Aside from that, your dog itself must be prepared for this kind of bonding you have. It is best to train or let your dog familiarize yourself with the kayak beforehand.
Here you can teach him to follow new commands in dealing with a kayak. This is important so that you won’t be having any problems once you hit the water. If your dog still can’t follow simple kayaking commands, then he is not ready.
Sit-On-Top or Sit-In Kayaks
Sit-On-Top kayaks are generally more stableManyny have found them more suitable for dogs. It has a little bit of space that lets him move around with ease. Your dog can also jump off to the water with ease. It can also get back onto the kayak with ease. This is with your assistance or course.
On the other hand, the sit-in kayaks are preferably for small and calm dogs. The cat sits on your lap or gets comfortable in the cavity by your feet. This still depends on the dog’s size, breed, and personality.
Single Or Tandem
Sit capacity of your kayak must also be considered. Single kayaks should accommodate just enough for you and your dog. Whether it is sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks, space must be sufficient as well with your belongings.
Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks enable you to sit or stand on them. Therefore, they are more stable and safer for you and your dog. However, they are not as quick as other kayaks because they are not designed that way. Since they are not for rapid waters, it is better to stain calm and flat waters.
Inflatables vs. Hardshells
Inflatable kayaks have become more durable nowadays because of the advancement in technology. They are even more durable than the hardshell kayaks. Inflatable kayaks are made of rubber and PVC, which are similar to white water raft lifeboats. So, if you have untrimmed nails, they won’t easily get punctured or deflated.
Inflatable kayaks also have a higher weight capacity than hardshell kayaks and are generally considered more stable. So if you have a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Great Dane, an inflatable kayak may well be the best option for you.
Also, inflatable kayaks have more weight capacity than hardshell kayaks. If you have bigger dogs such as Great Dane or Mountain Dog, inflatables are a great option. Thus, inflatables are generally more stable.
Considering all these thin, gs, and if your dog is well-trained already, you can already have a wonderful and hassle-free in your trip with your dog on the water.
Best Kayaks For Dogs
1. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
- Length: 12ft
- Width: 34 inches
- Depth: 20 inches
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
Malibu two kayak features three sitting positions. It is accompanied by three molded-in seat wells, handle, es, and gear straps. The design of the hull makes this boat easily stackable for storage.
Malibu Two can occupy two adults and a child (or a medium-sized dog). People with have dogs love to use this 12-ft, sit-on-top kayak. This is great for either rough rapid or calm and flat waters. The kayak is an Amazon bestseller.
It is s durable made high-density polyethylene (HDPE) hull, which is virtually indestructible under regular use. It’s also abrasion-resistant, but it can be repaired in the event a scratch or gouge occurs. There’s also an included skid plate for extra durability when launching or beaching your kayak.
It is also effortlessly to maneuver because of its versatile feature, such as its deck where dogs can sit and move around. There is comfort when you sit because of its adjustable padded seat and backrests.
2. Sea Eagle SE370KP Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 12ft
- Width: 30 inches
- Depth: 10 inches
- Weight: 24.6 pounds
An inflatable kayak with a three-people sitting capacity. This can be two adults and a child or your dog. It is best for two people or one person with one large dog for maximum space and comfort.
Designed for ultra stability with highly durable puncture-resistant material. It can hold up to 650 pounds—this ultra-durable is made out of K-80 Polykrylar material, very ideal for large dogs.
The kayak floor is made out of 5 I-beam tubes. 5-tube makes the floor rigid, improving the speed and tracking of the kayak. This makes paddling easier. The rider sits high and bears the weight instead of the side chambers. This feature is once again great for kayaking with dogs.
Furthermore, the two-molded skegs at the bottom of the kayak make better tracking and speed. It will enable you to paddle with much less effort and faster ride.
3. Perception Pescador Pro 12
- Length: 12ft
- Width: 32.5 inches
- Depth: 14.5 inches
- Weight: 64 pounds
- Max Capacity: 375 pounds
Perception Pescador Pro 12 comes with a removable seat for one paddler that gives comfort while on the water. This kayak is made especially for a fishing kayak.
The seat comes in two different positions-upright and recline. They can be adjusted on the go with a molded-in accessory track recess. Storage is also available in bungee, molded-in rod holders, recessed tackle box storage, a mold-in cup holder, and a center console where you can rig fish finder electronics.
You may need to forego some extra equipment depending on the size of your dog. This is to keep them accompanying you in this kayak. Like already mentioned, fishing kayaks are suitable for dogs because of their ultimate stability. Overall, it will provide you with a smooth and comfortable day out on the water.
4. Sevylor Coleman Colorado Tandem Inflatable
- Length: 10ft 9 inches
- Width: 39 inches
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Max Capacity: 470 pounds
The kayak is also a great comforter during your kayaking while being guaranteed its stability. This is designed for two people, like one person or/and one large dog. It has two adjustable seats, so you can move the seat closer if required. Both you and your dog can have the kind of comfort satisfaction that you need.
This kind of inflatable fishing kayak is tear-resistant, durable, and strong. The material is made out of 1000 denier tarpaulin at the bottom and 840 denier nylon on the cover. It feels safe and stable for you and your dog.
Along with that, it comes with several storage options. It has rod and paddle holders that you can store when you want to take a break, sit and float for a while.
There is an in-built double-threaded Boston valve when getting into and from the water. There is also the pressure meter for accurate inflation and deflation rates. Lastly, the carry handles make a smooth transition into the water.
5. Perception Kayak High Life 11
- Length: 11 ft
- Width: 34 inches
- Depth: 12 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 280 pounds
This kayak is ideal for relaxation kayaking with your dogs (or kids). It is designed to be both a paddleboard and a kayak. Perception Kayak High Life 11 is a great kayak with a dog of different sizes. Its deck is made with no-slip paddling with built-in stability and smooth tracking.
Further, it has a rear tank well for additional storage, a built-in cup holder, a cooler storage area, and a full fold-down seat. There is a swim deck at its back where your dog can stay. This area is perfect for sitting and relaxing. It also makes entering and re-entering the water a lot easier. These are what make it y great kayak for relaxing on the water.
6. Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak
- Length: 10 ft
- Width: 36 inches
- Depth: 19 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
This kind of kayak is suitable as either a solo or tandem craft. It is excellent for large dogs with a low sturdy hull designed for standing or sitting sidesaddle. You can reel in and catch fish with much confidence.
This kayak offers high durability, strength, and stability. It has multiple footrest positions to make room for different sizes of dogs and person riders. You can stash your paddles in two molded paddle rests. The hour rod holders are where you can mount your poles.
There is also a six-inch rear storage hatch. It keeps your gear dry. Lastly, the two paddle oars are included with this model’s kit.
7. Sun Dolphin Bali SS Kayak
- Length: 10 ft
- Width: 30 inches
- Depth: 11 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
This kayak is suitable for a beginner or newbie. It is lightweight but still offers immense stability. There is also a portable accessory carrier that can provide a bit of extra storage. The cockpit is also a comfortable spot that is spacious enough for you and your dog and comes equipped with protective thigh pads.
The Bali is 10 ft. long, weighs 44 pounds, and can handle loads up to 250 pounds. This craft is available in blue and red. The Sun Dolphin Bali SS is a hybrid sit-in, sit-on-top kayak with a sunken cockpit, perfect for a day on the water for you and your dog. The open cockpit makes it easy for your pooch to come aboard.
8. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10
- Length: 10 ft
- Width: 30 inches
- Depth: 11 inches
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
This well-made sit-inside hard shell is designed with a huge cockpit and plenty of legroom, so you are small to a medium-size dog can sit inside between your legs while you paddle. Whether you want to take your dog on a river cruise or fishing on the lake, the Vapor 10 is an excellent boat for the task.
The Vapor 10 is 10 feet long and is easy to carry to the waterside, weighing 47 pounds. XT is the same as the standard Vapor 10 but includes a rigid day well cover. The Angler is equipped with rod holders and an anchor trolley system.
Conclusion
Kayaking is one of the best recreational activities on the water. This is why it is gaining more popularity. Some people would love to kayak with their loved ones, including their dogs. Paddling with a dog can be fun and relaxing until you have the best kayak and preparation for your trip. The market produces more models that fit any demand, ensuring both safety and comfort.
The size of your kayak must be large enough for your dog to move and sit around. It must also be able to hold you, your dog, and the equipment’s weight. Your dog’s behavior, size, and breed determine whether you will be using sit-in, sit-on-top, single, or tandem kayaks. Fishing kayaks are also an excellent choice for calm waters and when you want to go out in the water to relax. Always equip your dog with PFD, sun cream, food, and water. Stick to calm waters and train your dog for kayaking.
I hope that you can already be equipped and enjoy your kayaking adventure with your dog.
