



Sharing your paddleboarding experience with your dog can be one of the most rewarding outdoor activities. SUP Pup sessions are designed to help you and your fur baby safely enjoy the river together. Whether your dog is a confident swimmer or needs a little encouragement, we'll guide you through every step to ensure a fun and safe experience.
Your SUP Pup session begins with a discussion to get to know both you and your dog, ensuring that the experience is tailored to suit your dog's temperament and experience with water. For first-time paddlers, we recommend starting with one of our Learn to SUP sessions so that you can develop confidence in your own paddling skills.
We’ll begin with getting your dog safely equipped with a doggy buoyancy aid (which we provide, or you can bring your own). On dry land, we'll work with your dog to build trust and a positive association with the board, using treats and encouragement. Every dog is different, so we move at their pace to ensure a comfortable introduction to the activity.
Once your dog is comfortable on the land, we’ll move to the water. The dog will have a chance to get used to getting on and off the board, starting from the jetty and gradually transitioning to paddling on the river. You’ll be there every step of the way as we help your pup become accustomed to the water and the board.
As your dog gains confidence, we’ll introduce the experience of paddling together on the same board, offering tips on balance and managing your dog’s comfort. We’ll be there for support throughout, keeping everyone safe while ensuring the session is enjoyable for both you and your dog. The session includes plenty of photo opportunities to capture this special moment.
SUP Pup sessions are held at Arden Sailing Club in Worcestershire, set along the peaceful River Avon. This tranquil location offers easy access to the water, ideal for building confidence on the board. With excellent facilities, including free parking, secure storage, and changing rooms, it provides a comfortable setting for your session.
The surrounding countryside adds a lovely backdrop to your paddling adventure with your dog.
All participants in the SUP Pup session must be comfortable swimming at least 50m. You should also be able to paddleboard at a basic level to ensure that you can manage the board while focusing on your dog.
If you are new to SUP, we recommend taking part in one of our Learn to SUP sessions before scheduling a SUP Pup session.
The centre is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. With years of experience in SUP instruction, we prioritise your safety and your dog’s comfort, tailoring each session to meet your needs.
Our approach ensures that every dog can have a positive experience on the water, no matter their level of comfort with water. The session is personalised to your dog’s pace, ensuring that both you and your furry friend enjoy the experience together.
A SUP Pup session is a private, instructor-led paddleboarding experience where you can bring your dog along to learn how to safely paddle together. We guide you through the process of getting your dog comfortable with the board, the water, and the overall experience, ensuring that both you and your dog have a positive and enjoyable time on the water.
Every session is personalised to suit the needs and comfort level of both you and your dog.
While having basic paddleboarding skills is beneficial, it’s not essential before attending a SUP Pup session. If you’re new to paddleboarding, we recommend you first join one of our Learn to SUP sessions to gain confidence in your own paddling skills.
This will allow you to focus on your dog during the SUP Pup session. However, we can work with you on your SUP skills during the session if necessary.
It’s important to bring your dog’s favourite treats to help build trust and create positive associations with the board and the water. You can also bring your dog’s own buoyancy aid if you prefer, although we have some available to borrow.
Additionally, you might want to bring a towel for your dog, just in case they get wet, as well as any other personal supplies like leads or a collar.
While it’s not a requirement for your dog to be an expert swimmer, they should be comfortable in water and able to swim at least 50 meters if needed. We provide a buoyancy aid for each dog to ensure their safety.
If your dog isn’t yet comfortable in the water, we’ll work on building confidence on dry land and only transition to the water once they’re ready.
The session lasts approximately 2 hours. During this time, we’ll first spend some time on land getting to know your dog and ensuring they’re comfortable with the board.
Afterward, we’ll start transitioning to the water, allowing your dog to get used to the board and water at their own pace. As the session progresses, we’ll help you both share the board, focusing on safety, balance, and building confidence.
About the centre
Arden Sailing Club, Bourne Road Access via Revills Farm Shop, Worcester
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Wittering SUP, a partner of adventuro.