Imagine getting to share a peaceful kayaking experience with your dog!
Isn’t that already amazing how peaceful and fun kayaking is at the same time, now that you get to combine it with your furry best friend, WHAT IS EVEN BETTER?
It is indeed a great experience, and to make it even better, all you need to do is, scroll through the article. We have gathered the information that’ll help you decide and know more about dog-friendly kayaks.
Don’t forget to go through the important considerations for choosing a kayak for your dog, because that is how you’ll make it an even more memorable experience for your dog.
What Kind of Kayak Is Best for Paddling with a Dog?
There aren’t any special kayaks for dogs for you to buy, but studying kayaks and choosing one as per its factor suitability can help you get a kayak that is best for paddling with your dog. Here are a few different types of kayaks that can be good for you and your dog,
- Sit-on-top – Since the sit-on-top kayak has more space because of its open cockpit, it provides a larger and open deck that suits perfectly for large dogs. Dogs even get to have a little space in this kayak and the kayak can act like a jumping point for the dogs that like to swim.
- Inflatable – Dogs have sharp nails and teeth, which can become a problem at times, but the inflatable kayak is a better choice for you and your dog. It is more durable and safe and has a lesser chance of getting torn. Just make sure that your dog doesn’t chew or dig a lot, otherwise, even this option won’t be that much of a help.
- Tandem – A tandem kayak is a little bigger as it is for two people, so the kayak gives enough space for you and your dog to roam around and relax on the water. In case your dog isn’t small or can’t stay in close proximity for long, this kayak option is not the best option available.
Review of Best Kayak For Dogs
1. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
Highlighted Features:
- Made of Polyethylene
- Classic Style
- Seats 2 people
- Sunrise colour option available
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a great tandem kayak that is recommended for medium-sized dogs. It is 12 feet long, with a width of 34”, and weighs 57 lbs. The tandem provides open middle space, making the tracking on open water better and more stable. The kayak can be paddled with up to three people.
The tandem comes with adjustable seats making it comfortable for you and your dog to adjust easily, and go kayaking. The kayak cab holds up to 362 pounds which makes it a great choice if your dog is middle-sized or big.
| PROS | CONS |
| Wide | Paddles are to be bought separately |
| Adjustable Seats | Difficult to maintain for a long time |
| Up to 2 people can kayak | |
| High Stability | |
| High weight capacity |
2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado™ 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Highlighted Features:
- Multiple air chambers
- 1000D tarpaulin bottom
- 840D nylon cover
- 18-gauge PVC construction
- Adjustable seats
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a great choice in kayaks to go kayaking with your friend or furry friend. Its dimensions are 31” x 11.5” 19.25” and it weighs 17.94 kg. It is made of blended material and is durable enough to get to your favourite out o the way fishing hole. It has air chambers that help you get back to the shore.
With its set rod holders, you can enjoy the ultimate hands-free fishing experience,w without even having to worry about the gear storage as that can be easily stored in the mesh pockets or attached to the D-rings.
| PROS | CONS |
| Safer | Little expensive |
| Durable protection from punctures | |
| Good for lake use | |
| Comfortable paddling | |
| Easily storing gear space |
3. Perception Pescador Pro 10 | Sit on Top Fishing Kayak with Adjustable Lawn Chair Seat | Large Front and Rear Storage | 10′ 6″
Highlighted Features:
- Skid plate
- Removable pro seat
- Quick-adjust footrests
- Upright rod storage
- Built-in buoyancy
The Perception Pescador Pro 10 is considered to be one of the most durable kayaks. With a length of 10.5 feet and 32” width, it is a good enough stable kayak, especially for calm water. The kayak is mainly used for fishing trips and can be a good option for kayaking for a day.
The kayak weighs 57 lbs and has a weight capacity of 325 lbs, making it good enough to bear the weight of your dog and gear. Since it is a solo kayak it is recommended for people to go kayaking on this if they have a small to medium-sized dog, but calm large dogs can also manage.
The kayak has a style of lawn-chair seat with open storage platforms that are both front and back, so your dog can just sit and chill there.
| PROS | CONS |
| One piece design | Quite costly |
| Fewer chances of leakage | Not most suitable for beginners |
| Loads of storage space | |
| Comfortable seating | |
| Quite safe with built-in buoyancy |
4. Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars, Manual and Electric Pumps
Highlighted Features:
- Includes beginner kit
- Increased vibrant colour, yellow
- Backrest seats
- Removable skeg
This kayak is perfect in case you are on a budget or just want to go for a trial kayaking experience to see if you and your dog like it or not. The Explorer K2 Kayak is an inflatable 2-person kayak that has dimensions of 10 ft 3 inches x 3 ft x 1 ft. It weighs 13.8 kg and can take up to 350 pounds. The wide enough dimensions and the weight capacity make it suitable for your small and medium-sized dogs.
Further, the kayak comes with a beginner kit, making it suitable for beginner rides. The kayak is made of Polypropylene and comes with an adjustable inflatable seat with a backrest for increased comfort and space.
| PROS | CONS |
| Safe from dog chewing and nails | Get a towel for your dog on a sunny day, because the space gets warm |
| Directional stability | Poor quality pump |
| Easily set up | |
| Strong construction | |
| Higher visibility |
5. Perception Hi Life 11 | Sit on Top Kayak – SUP/Paddleboard | Hybrid Boat with Seat Storage/Cooler | 11′
Highlighted Features:
- Built-in cooler and cup holder
- Made of Polyethylene
- Flat style
- Bronze medal winner of the prestigious 2018 International design excellence Award (idea) in the sports, leisure, and recreation category
The perception Hi Life kayak is considered to be dog friendly, as it has swim-up decks both on the front and the back of the kayak. It has a length of 11 ft and width of 34”, along with a single, elevated, paddle seat in its centre. It weighs 55 lbs and can take up to 280 lbs, making it suitable enough only for small or medium-sized dogs.
The kayak is for solo riders, but one can ride with their dogs or kids. The kayak also has a built-in cooler that is under the seat for your drinks and also has a built-in cup holder, making your kayaking experience more relaxing.
| PROS | CONS |
| Stable | Can’t handle big dogs. |
| Two swim-up decks | Not suitable for beginners |
| Built-in cooler and cup holder | |
| Supportive backrest | |
| Thick padding |
6. Lifetime 10-Foot, Two-Person Tandem Fishing Kayak with Paddles
Highlighted Features:
- Comes in a camouflage colour
- Made of hard shell material
- 10-ft compact length
- Compatible with motor and paddles
The Lifetime 10-Foot Kayak is a great kayak especially when it comes to a fishing day with your dog. It is 10 ft long and 36” wide with a classic design that is good enough for one person. The kayak weighs 60 lbs and has a capacity of 500 lbs making it suitable for dogs of all sizes.
This camouflage tandem kayak is made of one piece of polyethene that has a low density but can easily manage the weight of you, your dog, and your gear. Moreover, the 5-year limited warranty is a big pro for you if you aren’t the best at handling and maintaining kayaks.
| PROS | CONS |
| Classic design | Backrests are delicate |
| The motor can be fitted | Can be difficult to load |
| Wide enough | |
| Suitable for one or two people both |
Factors To Consider When Picking The Best Kayak For Dogs
There are various factors that one needs to consider when picking the best kayak for dogs, and that way, not just you but your dog can make the most out of the kayaking experience too.
- Stability – Dogs tend to run here and there and making a balance in a kayak can be a task, so it is better to go for a kayak that is more stable. For a stable kayak, go for a kayak that is wider and has higher Kayak weight limit capacities.
- Space – Considering the space dimensions is really important as well. Get a kayak that has enough space for you and your dog. You can just adjust in a single-person kayak if it is a small dog, but otherwise, you might need s bigger kayak.
- Weight – Make sure that the kayak can handle the weight. Calculate the weight of your dog, your gear, and yourself, and get a kayak accordingly, that can handle the total weight.
Conclusion
Now that you know so much about choosing the Tips For Kayaking With Your Dog kayaks and what are the important factors, what are you waiting for? Get to work, figure out the best kayak for you and your dog, and go get it.
Make sure you go through the following FAQs for further clarification on the topic and also apart from the decisions and precautions, do not forget to have fun on your kayaking experience with your furry best friend.
Hope the article helped you and your doggo get a one-lifetime memorable experience!
FAQ
1. What is a kayak for dogs, and how is it different from a regular kayak?
There is no particular kayak for dogs but choosing one, like sit on top kayak with a bigger width makes it suitable for dogs. Regular kayaks are usually very narrow and only suitable for one or two people with almost no space for dogs, but kayaks that are inflatable and wide enough are good for dog kayaking as well.
2. Can any breed of dog use a kayak, or are some better suited than others?
Though when trained hard any breed of dog can go kayaking, a few dog breeds are just natural at it. Like, labrador retrievers are very friendly and easygoing when it comes to kayaking since they love going out, and so are golden retrievers. Further, standard poodle, golden doodle, American water spaniel, Irish water spaniel, Boykin spaniel, and Brittany spaniel come in the top most suitable dogs to go kayaking with
3. How can I ensure my dog’s safety while kayaking?
Yes, kayaking is safe, but that is only when you take the right precautions and prepare accordingly. There are several factors that you would need to take care of to ensure the proper safety of your dog.
- Your dog is comfortable with water.
- Your dog can stay calm for long hours.
- Kayak is wide and stable enough.
- Kayak does not tear off with your dog’s chewing.
And even more, depending on your kayak and dog.
4. How much should I expect to spend on a kayak for dogs?
There is no standard answer to how much one should spend on kayaking for dogs, but in case you are just a beginner and unsure your dog is even a fan of kayaking, then spend around 200 US Dollars, and once you’re sure it is a good idea, you can easily pace it up to 500 US Dollars too.
5. Can I take my dog kayaking without a kayak designed for dogs?
There is no such kayak that is specifically designed for dogs, but you need to find one perfect for you and your dog. In case you end up going kayaking with your dog on a kayak that cannot bear the dog’s weight, chewing, nails, or the dog roaming around, it will just lead to trouble, like the dog is uncomfortable, lack of balance the kayak, etc. So, it is advised that you go kayaking only on a kayak that is suitable for dogs.
6. What are some of the best kayaks for dogs available on the market today, and why are they recommended?
The above-mentioned kayaks in the article are the most suitable ones in the market today and you can choose one as per your requirements, budgets, and suitability for your dog. Like Explorer K2 Kayak is suitable for beginners, and Ocean Kayak Malibu is good for even large dogs.
7. Are inflatable kayaks suitable for dogs, or should I choose a hard-shell kayak?
Usually, the hard-shell kayaks have lesser space for dogs since they are narrower, have a covered tip, and hence have lesser space compared to the inflatable kayaks. The hard-shell kayaks can be a good option for small dogs, as they even feel safer in them, but for large dogs, it will become difficult to adjust to a hard-shell kayak, as they would need more space.
8. Is it necessary to purchase any additional accessories or equipment to use a kayak for dogs?
Nothing is COMPULSORY as such, but to make the experience more comfortable and happening for you and your dog, it is advised to get a few additional accessories and equipment. A kayak dog platform makes it easier for your dog to get on the kayak. Kayak seats and kayak decks make it comfortable for your dog to stay in the kayak.
9. What Types Of Kayaks Are Not Suitable For Dogs?
The sea kayaks and whitewater kayaks are not really suitable for dogs. The sea kayaks are pretty narrow making it difficult for your dog to adjust to the little space. The whitewater kayaks on the other hand give basically no space as they are for fast-moving waters and are only suitable for one paddler.