I don't have a dog. So why get my first SUP lesson from SUP Pups? Because I WILL be getting a dog, and I want to offer my future furry friend fantastic fun! Plus, SUP Pups provides their lessons at Liberty Station, which has calm water access with lots of nearby parking (I've competed in triathlons there). Beyond this, their one-on-one lesson is priced at a level others charge for group lessons, and I always love a good value for my money. While I own multiple kayaks, I hadn't been interested in a SUP until last week, when I came across an inflatable SUP at an astoundingly low price from the local Vista company Funwater. It was a "Why not?" decision. An unexpected benefit was how much lighter an inflatable SUP is compared to my folding and inflatable kayaks. (I have no room for rigid watercraft!) So, I now had a SUP. What next? Well, the Funwater model I chose also included a kayak seat and a convertible paddle (!!), so I took it out for a quick seated paddle last Sunday and immediately loved it. The main difference being my SUP has three fins compared to the single fin on my collapsible kayaks, giving me greater directional control and stability. Next came standing up on the thing. With all my experience on the water, why take a SUP lesson? Couldn't I do this myself using YouTube videos? Of course I could. But I'll soon be 68, and my balance isn't what it once was, so I thought taking a lesson would help get me past the early falling-into-the-water bits and stay dry. Now, I had done my first paddle outing last Sunday at Liberty Station not only for the easy parking and access to calm water, but also because there are two SUP lesson companies who use that location, one of which is SUP Pups. I chatted with Samantha (Sam), SUP Pups owner, and while I was impressed with her enthusiasm, dedication and preparation, what sold me on her business was her deep involvement in the canine community, including adoption events and training plus hosting regular get-togethers for SUPpers and their puppers. I booked my lesson online while I was talking with Sam. I showed up Tuesday morning at 8 AM to work with instructor Jamie, who already knew everything Sam and I had discussed and was ready to go. Jamie started me on the widest SUP so I could work on my stability (notice my serious face in the photo), and halfway through the hour-long lesson we swapped SUPs (on the water!) so I could try a normal-width SUP. Jamie was great! When I get overwhelmed or nervous I tend to blabber a bit, and when my legs started shaking Jamie was able to cut through my wordiness to share some SUP nerdiness, helping me get my legs back under control. Of course, it didn't help that my Leg Day was the prior evening. Oops! We rapidly progressed to different types of turns, more powerful paddling and better board control, packing far more into a single hour than I had expected. If it weren't for my dead legs, I would have taken my inflatable SUP out immediately after. My enthusiasm was off the charts! What a wonderful and delightful introduction to SUP use. I can't thank Sam, Jamie and SUP Pups enough. Highly recommended! FMI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln3qjB4LA3k read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

I had the best time with Sup Pup! Samantha is such a great instructor! super informative and thorough, making sure to go over everything before we even got on the water. Once we were out there, her calm and positive energy made the whole experience so fun and comfortable. She not only helped build my confidence on the board, but also made my dog feel completely at ease, she was even comfortable enough to go from my board to Samantha's and jump in the water on her own! Learning how to balance in different positions with my dog on the board was such a cool experience. On top of that, Samantha takes amazing photos and videos for you, so you get to capture the memories too. Overall, it was so much fun, and I can't wait to do it again! 10/10 recommend! read more

Took my Golden Retriever, Layla, to a paddleboarding event this past weekend--and we had the BEST time! It was both of our first times trying anything like this, and it ended up being such a cool, fun experience. Sam, the owner, is incredibly kind and clearly passionate about what she does. She made us feel comfortable and welcomed from the start. Already looking forward to going back--next time hoping Layla will swim alongside me. Highly recommend! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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Book a lesson with SUP Pups! It was such an amazing experience. I've been wanting to take my dog paddleboarding but didn't know where to start. Sam was amazing with the both of us. She helped me with basics of paddleboarding and taught us how to paddleboard together. I will be back for more lessons and fun! read more

SUP Pups - My dog and I paddleboarding - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

My friend and I did SUP Pups today with the owner, Samantha, and it was truly an amazing experience from start to finish! Samantha is such a patient, kind, and knowledgeable instructor. We were a little nervous about how our dogs would react on the paddleboards, but Samantha guided us every step of the way, making both us and our pups feel completely at ease. She really knows how to read and work with all kinds of dogs. I even have a high-drive working dog, and Samantha was so understanding and accommodating with our dogs- it made the whole experience stress-free and fun. The one-hour lesson was the perfect amount of time, and the location was super easy to find. Plus, Samantha goes above and beyond by capturing wonderful photos and videos, so we have memories to look back on! We left feeling so accomplished and happy, and our dogs had the best time. We'll definitely be coming back again. If you're considering trying this with your pup, don't hesitate--Samantha is the absolute best! read more

Sam is an AMAZING instructor. From the moment she greeted us, her warm personality put us at ease. She loves dogs and is deeply passionate about her work. Her exceptional ability to instill confidence, coupled with her contagious positive energy, made our first-time paddle-boarding experience special. Sam explained the technique so well and was so encouraging that she gave us the confidence to stand up during our first lesson! She even coached us on successfully transferring my 72-pound Labrador, Irving, from my board to my daughter's. I'm almost 75, so I was thrilled to be able to stand up! It's a great bonding experience between you and your pup! Sam's thoughtfulness extended beyond the lesson. She took beautiful photos and videos and loaned us a clip-on treat pouch and a dry rubber leash. These little things make a big difference and show how much she cares about her customers. I was so impressed by her ability to multitask. During our lesson, she spotted a dog, not part of our group, that wasn't wearing a life vest and was struggling to swim to shore. She quickly paddled over to rescue him. Sam's love for all dogs, evident in her support for rescues, is another reason we felt a deep personal connection with her. Thank you, Sup Pups, for the memories of a lifetime. We are still smiling about this unique adventure! Joan Luber Jacobs read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

My first experience with Sam and SUP PUPS was amazing! It was my first ever time SUP-ing and Sam was very patient and supportive, giving us directions and troubleshooting on the water. We had 3 adoptable dogs and she made the experience so fun and that all stressful. I can't wait to go back out again! read more

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Amazing! Got my 110lb Leonberger out on the water for a very enjoyable paddle board ride! So much fun, great instructor, highly recommend!

Sam is an awesome instructor! I took two lessons for myself and then one with my puppers! She is knowledgeable, patient and such a joy to be around! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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What an amazing time my friend, pup and I had. Going into it I was 99.9% sure my naughty dog wouldn't do well and would be overly excited if not naughty throughout. He loved it and Samantha was soooo great and knowledgeable. We will definitely be doing this again!! Highly recommend even if you're nervous about how your dog might do! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

Jamie was our instructor and I was so impressed with how prepared they are -- life vest, leash, treat pouch, water! This was my dog's (Xola) first time experiencing both water and paddleboarding. She had such a wealth of experience and knowledge about dogs and everything was explained so well. Nothing was too overwhelming, I thought she gave the right amount of information at each point of our lesson. She easily managed both me & my pup as well as my beginner friends who joined us. She took amazing pics (I even made one my new phone wallpaper!). I highly recommend this for anyone interested in SUP ESPECIALLY if they have a dog. I loved that Jamie was able to read my dog's body language and had great tips on how to manage her anxiety. It was such a fun activity!!! I highly recommend SUP Pups! read more

Sam is so good with our very anxious pup, Esther! I really appreciated full instructions and demonstration (on land) detailing how to paddle board followed by how to do all that with a pup passenger. Once on the water Sam stayed close by and gave lots of options on how to ease Esther's nerves. At our second visit I had much more balance and control, less fear and Esther displayed all the same progress as I felt! read more

I was hesitant and skeptical at first because my dog is 120 pound Cane Corso who never goes swimming in my pool at home. Sam the owner was amazing at introducing him to the paddle board and calming his nerves, seriously she can handle any dog, any breed, any temperament. My big boy is a guard dog and strong as an ox but Sam wasn't phased! She taught us what to do if he fell in the water and how to keep him safe and calm on the board. 10/10. Will be back! read more

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So much fun! Samantha was amazing making sure the dogs were comfortable on the boards and giving us easy to follow directions on how to control the board for newbies. We had so much fun and can't wait to go back! read more

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This was the such an amazing and extremely fun experience! The experience is the best only because Samantha is a very caring, energetic and a truly talented instructor. She is so experienced in not just paddle boarding but how to help and understand dogs. I have 2 large rescue dogs- a husky and a German shepherd. I had just adopted my 1 year old German shepherd 4 months ago and my whole family have never gone paddle boarding. I went with my older son who also has a left sided weakness due to a brain tumor. The night before, I was starting to feel that this was too risky for all of us and felt a bit stupid for booking this lesson considering my son's handicap and my new 1 year old shepherd rescue whom I'm still trying to train. But my doubts were totally unfounded because Sam truly knows what she is doing! She kept all of us- mom and dad with 2 boys and 2 dogs safe. She even had my husky moved from board to board so that every member of the family had photos on the board with a dog. She took photos and videos which captured all the precious moments. The German shepherd jumped off the board many times but she built my confidence in what to do and to let her jump off. As she put it, the dogs also need to learn and build their confidence- so not only does she teach you how to paddle board she gives wonderful doggie parenting advice. Lol. Even if they jumped off she coached us on what to do and how to help them get up on the board. They are 50 to 60 pounds, but with her coaching I felt like I could do anything. Plus I knew if any of us were in trouble Samantha was right there to help. We were a party of 4 boards and the wind was strong so even if we were not nearby Samantha kept an eye on every one of us and ensured we were not only safe but having a blast. My son with the left sided weakness could only competently paddle on 1 side but she knew what to do and coached him accordingly. At one point she even towed him along next to her board to get him back to the rest of the group. Wow- we were all totally impressed. She kept giving us pointers on how to do things if we ever paddle boarded on our own or with other instructors but honestly, with her coaching and energy , we will be only be back to paddle board with her. San Diego is not too close to our home but we will definitely do this again and again. She was mentioning another customer/family who comes out from out of state yearly to paddle board with her and it seems we will be joining this recurrent paddle boarding club. Thank you Sam for such an awesome time!!! read more

Best time ever. Booked more sessions! Sam is the best. The dogs had a great time. Definitely recommend.

When you're in San Diego, SUP Pups is a must-do! It's the only service of its kind and Sam is a great teacher. My chiweenie Darby is usually scared of all things wet and cold (and the Pacific Ocean is both), but he was so at ease the entire lesson. We went with a few other friends - doggy and human alike - and had the time of our lives! I've even been paddleboarding before, but Sam had some excellent tips for turning the boards and paddling with power. Darby just chilled between my legs the whole time! Never go paddleboarding without your dog again!!! read more

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Sam is an amazing teacher and trainer! She is patient, demonstrates skills effectively, explains techniques clearly, and gives you the confidence you need for mastering SUP. She taught me all the strokes, including several ways to turn the board in various situations. I have now taken 3 solo lessons with Sam, and 3 with my dog -- who now adores both Sam and SUP! If you've been watching random SUP YouTube videos where the 'instructor' stands on dry land and just talks about SUP, it's time to get out on the water with Sam! read more

Anybody who has a dog should definitely check this place out if you want a water adventure with your pup! Booking online is very easy. The instructions emailed afterward are very clear with where to park and how to find SUP Pups. If anyone is coming from the L.A. area be mindful of unexpected traffic. When I realized I was going to be late due to traffic I called Sam right away. She was super sweet and flexible with pushing back my reservation to a later time so I wouldn't have to rush or have a limited time paddle boarding. Once I arrived Sam was super energetic and ready to go! She is very informative and passionate about paddle boarding and dogs. She gives step by step instructions with what to do and what to expect on and off the water, and with your dog. For being a first-timer she made me feel super confident. When we got on the water the experience was great! It honestly didn't even feel like we were on the water for an hour because of how friendly Sam is that we chatted the whole time making the experience very comfortable. She also takes a bunch of pictures of you and your dog on the paddle board so you'll have memories afterward! If anyone wants to try paddle boarding with their dog, this is the place. I honestly would go paddle boarding with my dog again in the future because of this experience and because of Sam. Every fur baby should try this at least once. SUP Pups is worth the experience and worth the memories. read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

I found Sup Pups when I was searching for things to do with my pup while visiting San Diego. This one popped right up and after reading so many 5 star reviews (even on YouTube) I decided to book. I cannot express how awesome this experience was. From booking to the end, the process was incredibly easy and the instructions are thorough. But the real gem, is Sam!! I have an English bull terrier who has severe anxiety and can be temperamental depending on the day. My dog was experiencing anxiety upon arrival but by the end she was enjoying a pup cup and giving kisses. Sam walked us through the whole process since we are beginners and really just went with the vibe so that Priscilla, our dog, could enjoy the experience as well. Sam's calm and easygoing nature made everything an experience that I would pay for over and over again. She even had me relaxed and I was able to be present and in the moment. This was an awesome experience and I am definitely coming back with my pup! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

What an absolute fun time for both me and my pup out on the water with Sam! We have gone out twice now, and look forward to going out again soon. Sam was very encouraging when showing me the proper form and how to stand on the board with my pup. My pup LOVED Sam, even joined her on her board for a bit. On our second visit we used a smaller board, a gentle nudge to get us both more comfortable out on the water without the stability of the big board, my pup and I didn't want the session to end! Highly recommend! read more

SUP Pups - My pup loved being out on the water! - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

SUP PUPs was an excellent experience for me & my 14 year old border collie. Jamie was a wonderful instructor. She lead us through a demo of how to get Pepper on the board, how to sit, kneel, eventually stand and paddle on land then in the water. She was so patient and kind. The confidence this brings to your pup and you is monumental. I swear it was like therapy for my old girl. As she's aging her mind is having a tough time realizing her body can't run non-stop - so this activity was perfect for relaxation & mental stimulation. She early got on the board, took a moment to get balanced and comfortable and then got to enjoy the experience to the fullest. read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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All the great reviews here right! Sam is so positive and supportive. I wasn't even sure I'd be able to stand, and I thought my dog would like it, but I didn't know for sure. We both had a great time. I was especially impressed how comfortable she made me feel, while still knowing when to (gently) push me to try things. We can't wait to do it again. read more

We originally met Samantha, the founder of SUP-Pups when she carried a pet consumer product. It was at a pet charity event for vets on Memorial Day. Sam explained her paddle board lessons with dogs that day and it remains an activity we want to get our dog involved. Just waiting for summer of 2021. Our dog isn't a fan of water and for me, I love water but like it when the water is warmer too. I ended up connecting with Sam as she was offering holiday photo sessions via paddle board. We had a COVID safe holiday and a tropical vacation themed Christmas at home, so the photo shoot was exactly what we needed just to introduce our pup to the board. We received our festive holiday photos and had a nice time out in fresh air on a gorgeous first day of winter in SoCal. Looking forward to our SUP Pups lesson in the near future. Thanks Sam for making it a fun Howl-Iday weekend! #SanDiego #HolidayPhotos #CovidChristmas #SupPups read more

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We love Sam and Sup Pups! This last go round was a swim lesson as well (SUP goes swimming?!). Murphy obviously loves the water and Sam just went with the flow. We practiced safely going between boards and swimming to mom. read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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My pup, Graci, and I took a lesson yesterday afternoon. Graci did great, but I struggled. Samantha was extremely patient and made it a very enjoyable experience. I highly recommend SUP Pups to anyone. read more

SUP Pups - Graci & I - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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This review is long, long overdue. My pup and I had our first lesson with Sam back in 2019, and it was an incredible experience. Sam was a very thorough instructor and got us out on the water and standing on the board in less than 10 minutes. It was out first time trying to SUP, and Sam encouraged us and helped us feel comfortable on the board. The location was also very easy to find and access, and there's plenty of street parking. Sam provides all the equipment that you will need - human, and dog, life vests, board, paddle, and instills confidence in your ability. The water in the location is also very calm, and beginner friendly! I went back a couple years later to do a solo lesson with Sam, and I had the same friendly and fun experience with her as in the first lesson. Most recently, I went out with her again with my pup and she took the best photos and videos of us. She helped capture memories and experience that I will get to look back on and cherish as my pup is growing older. Sam's positivity and warm spirit shines through in every lesson and every interaction that I've had with her. I am so glad that I found Sam at SUP Pups, and I highly recommend anyone interested in SUPing and/or building a stronger bond with their dog to take a lesson with Sam. Since taking lessons with Sam, stand-up paddleboarding has become an activity that my pup and I get to do together to bond and enjoy quality time with each other. It's also a great enrichment activity, for humans and pups alike, and you get a new appreciation for San Diego on the board. read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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This concept is a dream, the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable. It's a great price for the value and the area to paddle is beautiful. They have great equipment as well. Overall great value and experience and would recommend to all especially with a pup :) read more

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Once in a life time experience! We had so much fun with our two corgis. Even though none of us had any paddle boarding experience, Samantha made sure we all had a wonderful time. She also took lots of photos and videos for us, priceless! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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Wild n Suppups! I attended a fun paddle boarding meet up with SupPups, Masego GSD Pup and Wildnfreshtreats! It was a lovely day paddling with our Pup Shelby! Lots of dogs first timers on a paddle board but by the end they are happy campers! Life vests and boards are provided! You bring the pup, your enthusiasm and have fun! read more

SUP Pups - Hello there! - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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If I could give SUP Pups 10 stars I would! Sam is the owner of this business and her dog Jack are truly such a joy. I started paddle boarding with SUP Pups 5 years ago with my 1st German Shepard. I continued to go to SUP Pups when I got my 2nd German Shepard. With my 2nd dog I started doing lessons with Sam when he was 4 months old, right after he got all his shots. I continue to see Sam and paddle board with her even though we don't need lessons anymore. It's such a fun time. The first time you go you get so many cute goodies (I don't want to spoil anything) and A LOT of amazing photos. I highly recommend even if you don't have good balance or think your dog doesn't or think that your dog is too big. Sam is such a great instructor and it's such a fun bonding activity to do with your dog. read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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Loved this experience! My dog & I both had a blast and Samantha made sure to guide us through it all safely. 100% recommend!

Where do we start!? We went to a Berner meet up and did paddle boarding for the first time. When we got there there was such a cute setup of snacks for the humans and snacks for the doggies. She even gave all the puppies bandannas. Not to mention while we were out there she took great photos and videos of everyone it was amazing not worrying about balancing on a board with your dog and trying to take photos. I was super nervous because I knew my Velcro dog would only go with me on the board. Sam is truly amazing. She handled our group of 15+ people and dogs with such ease. She made putting our big dogs in the water so easy. I couldn't believe it. Her confidence in us made my nerves go away and had a great, relaxing time out in the water. We can't wait to go back to her. This was hands down such a great experience. She even had s'mores to end our night. What more can we ask for!?! Thank you so much SUP Pups! read more

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Sam was an EXCELLENT teacher. She was very patient, kind, and encouraging, given that this was my first time taking my dog out. She was so good at helping make sure both me and my pup were at ease and comfortable on the board. I have been paddle boarding several times before, but still got so many new good tips and tricks from her, especially for going with a dog. She also took the cutest pictures for us! I would 100% recommend SUP Pups as your go-to paddle boarding experience! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

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Such a great place. My wife and I both learned a lot, and my dogs love coming here. Also for locals, this is really something that can be done year round here. Most people seem to wait until summer, but if you visit other times of year you basically have the bay to yourself read more

First thing I told Sam is that it's ok my dogs and I stayed on the ground and couldn't make to the water. She told us that won't happen and she never had anyone who couldn't make it. She kept her promise!! My two shy dogs went on the board and really enjoyed the rides. Sam taught me many techniques for SUP - that alone worths the money. And she truly loves dogs and knows how to approach them on board and also off board. It's also super nice addition that she is great in taking photos and videos. I would HIGHLY recommend for any one and any dog to try this out! You will love it! read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

I booked an adoption paddle with my foster dog from the San Diego humane society and I am SO GLAD I DID. Sam is professional, personable, and educational! She really has a way with and energy that provides a comfortable, safe and fun environment for both dog and human! She's such an easy person to talk to and the whole session was a blast and I learned so much about the board, paddle and body mechanics. If you're considering booking with them, don't hesitate! You'll be glad you did!! read more

SUP Pups - Provided life jackets, board, and paddle! :) - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

I took my baby Coco to Sup Pups and she had a blast! Samantha was very kind, playful and sweet to Coco and me. I was nervous but Sam made us feel very comfortable. Obviously it was our first time paddle boarding, and it will not be our last, because Coco and I had a great time. Thank you Sam for your business and your love for animals. See you soon. read more

SUP Pups - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

It was the best dog experience ever, even if you're not a water dog! So relaxing on the calm waters that my pup fell asleep. read more

SUP Pups - At the helm! - Paddleboarding Near Me - San Diego, California

Omg. As if this company needs another glowing 5 star review. Anyone that knows me knows my dogs are my whole world and everything I do is for them, and this was by far the funnest thing we've done together!! We got lucky with beautiful weather and our instructor Jamie was so sweet, fun and patient with me and my babies! I didn't think either of my dogs knew how or wanted to swim but they were having so much fun Theo my little guy just dove in the water and swam away hahaha!! Thank god Jamie came to the rescue because I had no intention of getting wet that day LOL! It was so cute to see but even funnier when we pulled him out and seeing how much he regretted it because the water was still very cold haha. Anyways I don't love social media but I'm SO happy I found Sup Pup on Instagram! Such a fun bonding experience for you and your fur baby!! Don't think about it just book it now! read more

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