70 years old and still out here paddling through boat wake in the San Diego Big Bay like an absolute badass. 🌊💙
Laura and Kenji train with me every single week to continue building confidence together on the water. From balance and technique to handling bigger boat wake and rougher conditions, they continue to prove that adventure does not have an age limit.
One of the biggest tips 💡 when paddling through boat wake is to hit the wake head on instead of sideways. Keep your paddle moving consistently in the water to help create forward drive, stability and momentum through the wake. If you start to feel unstable, use the “tripod” technique by placing the blade of your paddle flat onto the deck of your board for an extra point of stability.
Watching the bond between these two grow stronger every session is something really special. This is more than paddle boarding. It is trust, confidence, therapy, connection and continuing to challenge yourself no matter your age.
Honestly… this is the kind of energy I hope to have forever. 🐾
School’s almost out… but this kid is already winning summer. ☀️🐾
Watching kids build confidence on a paddle board while sharing the adventure with their dogs is seriously one of the coolest things ever. From learning balance and paddling techniques to laughing, exploring and creating unforgettable memories on the water, these are the moments they will remember forever.
Our SUP Cub Kid Lessons are all about helping kids try something new, gain confidence, connect with nature and have the most epic summer adventure alongside their pup. And honestly… seeing smiles like this says it all. ✌️🌊🐶
Let the summer adventures begin.
📍Liberty Station, San Diego
🌊 Private Paddle Board Lessons for Kids & Dogs
🐾 SUPpups.com
Paddle Pup Tip Tuesday 💡If your dog is in the back of the board and you want them to get to the front but they are a total beef cake!
Tuffy started in the back of the board, crawled underneath me like a pro using my “downward dog” trick to get safely to the front… then immediately decided he needed to be back with mom. 🥹
So I pulled the boards together and this determined little meatball LAUNCHED himself across with those tiny back legs flailing for dear life. Barely made it. Fully committed. Absolutely iconic. 💀🤣
This is your reminder that confidence on the water isn’t about perfection. It’s about making it fun, safe and exciting enough that your dog wants to keep trying. 🤍
Would your dog attempt the board transfer? 👀
#SUPPups #Bulldog #DogPaddleBoarding
Lava had such a great day with @sup_pups ! We went with two of her labby friends @that_happy_lab & @daisy.adae
She was a very good girl but toward the end of our paddle she started to get the zoomies a little bit! She had to hold back not to jump in and swim to her friends!
#foxredlab #labradorretriever #foxredlabrador #suppups #sandiego
7 WAYS TO MAKE EVERY DAY AN ADVENTURE WITH YOUR DOG:
1. 🐾 Follow the sniff trail instead of rushing the walk.
2. 🌅 Catch a sunrise together somewhere beautiful.
3. 🦴 Surprise your pup with a new treat.
4. 🌊 Let your dog splash, dig, and explore somewhere new.
5. 🚗 Roll the windows down & take a mini dog drive.
6. 🎾 Turn ordinary moments into playtime.
7. ❤️ Make memories together, dogs live for the little moments with you.
SAFETY TIP: 🛟 Always use a properly fitted dog life jacket while paddle boarding with your dog, even strong swimmers can get tired in open water.
TRAVEL IDEA: 🌊Plan a dog friendly paddle boarding adventure with @sup_pups followed by a sunset beach walk.
GEAR WE LOVE: 🦮 A good 3-in-1 harness that works for walks, car rides, and everyday adventures with your pup.
LOCAL DOG EVENT: Dog Yoga with @amandajoycoleman at @ruffinery_ May 30th 2026
POV: your “crazy dog mom” dreams actually come true. 🐾💛
Months ago, this started with one nervous pup at a time. Slow introductions. Confidence building. Learning how to safely load onto the board. Practicing balance. Practicing trust. Practicing calm energy on the water.
And now… look at them. SIX dogs out together living their best lives on the paddle board. 😭
Watching this journey unfold has honestly been such a reminder that growth takes patience. Not just for the dogs, but for us humans too. The water has this beautiful way of teaching confidence, trust, connection, and letting go of fear little by little.
One of my favorite moments was little Bubble doing a board transfer, riding the nose of the board; ending up in the water, then immediately hopping back up happy and eating treats like a champ. That’s what it’s all about. Building positive experiences and helping dogs realize they are safe, capable, and having FUN.
No guilt weekends around here. Bring the whole family. 🐶🌊
This is seriously one of the most unique experiences you can have in San Diego and seeing moments like this makes every second worth it.
Thank you for trusting me with your pups and this journey. So proud of this pack @bubbles_adventures3
#SUPPups #SanDiegoDogs #DogMom #PaddleBoardDogs
Richard said “mom… are we paddle boarding yet?” 🥹🐾
Meanwhile he’s already claimed his spot on the board, supervising the beach, and emotionally prepared for launch. Honestly, I think he loves paddle boarding more than I do.
Some dogs chase balls. Richard chases sunsets, salty air, and board rides with his mom. 🌊☀️
#SUPPups #PaddleDog #DogsofInstagram
Golden Hour Paddle sessions are BACK 🌅✨
There is just something so special about being on the water at 6:30PM. The sun starts to drop, the sky glows, the water calms down, and everything feels a little lighter. Less wind, peaceful energy, quiet moments, and the kind of reset your mind and body didn’t know it needed.
These sessions are more than just paddle boarding to me. They are therapy, connection, movement, fresh air, laughter, deep breaths, and learning how to slow down again.
Whether you are brand new to paddle boarding or already love being on the water, golden hour is truly one of the most magical times to paddle in San Diego 💛
Private sessions are now available again for the summer through SUP Pups and @whats.sup.san.diego
Come chase sunsets with me ✨
Think you cant get your big dog on a paddle board? 🤔 Most people don’t realize this… the hardest part isn’t paddling. It’s the moment your dog decides “nope, I’m not getting on that thing.”
And honestly? That moment is everything.
Whiskey is a big, strong Doberman… but underneath that size is a sensitive rescue who just needed a little extra reassurance. When he hesitated, we didn’t rush him, we didn’t force him. We supported him.
Sometimes that means guiding.
Sometimes that means pausing.
And yes… sometimes that means lifting a whole lot of dog 😅
Not to force the experience, but to help them through the uncertainty and show them they are safe.
Once he’s on the board with his person, everything shifts.
You can literally see it… the exhale, the connection, the confidence starting to build.
That’s the difference.
At SUP Pups, we don’t just throw dogs on boards and hope for the best. We read their body language, meet them where they’re at, and create a safe, positive experience step by step.
Big dogs. Nervous dogs. First timers.
They’re all capable… they just need the right guidance.
And by the end?
That same dog people thought “could never”… is standing proud on the nose of the board 💛
If you’ve been thinking your dog is too big, too nervous, or just “not the type”… I promise you, there’s a way.
🌊 Private lessons available
🐾 All sizes welcome
📍 Liberty Station, San Diego
Book your session at SUPpups.com
#sandiego #paddleboarding #dogsofsandiego
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda
Out here… we don’t try to paddle
we become one with the board 🛶
From Yoda energy 🐾
to full Darth Vader chaos 😈
May the 4th be with you 💫
#maythe4thbewithyou #sandiego #yoda #paddleboard
