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Much like every other activity, going on an outdoor adventure with your dog can be so much fun, and going out on your kayak is no different, provided that you have the right kayak. Most canine-friendly kayaks will need to have one thing which is stability; purchasing kayaks that aren’t stable will be very hard to control, especially with a dog on board. In this article, we share the best kayaks for dogs and where you can find them so you can start having fun in the water!
Is it Safe to Go Kayaking with Dogs?
Before you get to choose the top pick for kayaks in the market, it’s important to first consider whether or not it’s a good idea to kayak with dogs. In general, it’s safe to kayak with dogs but your dog’s training and behavior, as well as where you paddle will often determine how safe it really is. If your pup is prone to going after wildlife or has a habit of getting up close to nature, then it may not be ready for this activity.
Before taking your pup out for an adventure, it’s important to train your pup to avoid distractions on land and water, then start training it to go on your kayak. To give your pup an extra line of protection, make sure that it always wears a life jacket. There are a lot of different options to choose from as well, but many pet owners recommend using a personal floatation device for dogs, even if they swim well.
Paddling in locations where predators are present can be another potentially dangerous situation when you bring along your pup on a kayaking trip. Alligators and sharks, for instance, can become attracted to your kayak if your dog is on board which can put your pup in danger. This can become even more dangerous if you’re kayak fishing, so it’s not recommended to enter waters with predators whenever your dog comes with you.
Different Types of Kayaks for Dogs
There is a wide range of kayaks for you to choose from but it’s best to first learn about the different kinds of kayaks that can be used with dogs.
Recreational Kayaks
For many dog owners, this type of kayak can be the best for taking along dogs. While they’re generally built for flatwater conditions, they’re designed to come with a decent amount of stability. A sit-on-top kayak is a great option for dogs since they don’t come with an enclosed space, making it easy for dogs to jump in and out.
However, this may not be a good option for a small dog and they may prefer one that has a spacious cockpit which can give you more space. Moreover, be sure to avoid getting narrow kayaks like white water kayaks and sea kayaks since these might not have enough room for both of you.
Tandem Kayaks
Many tandem kayaks can offer plenty of space for you and your pooch to move around in. This can be a great experience if you own medium-sized dogs that take up as much space as you do. The good thing about tandem kayaks is that they can be paddled on your own, so your dog can sit back and enjoy the ride. Because a tandem kayak comes with all that extra space, you can even fit a large dog in there!
Fishing Kayaks
These are designed specifically for stability and are often a key feature; as such, they can be an excellent kayak for bringing dogs along. Furthermore, they will also come with fishing rod holders to go along with the storage space. Finally, a fishing kayak has platforms over the deck that allow the angler to stand up and they’ll also be flat with padding that provides traction for our dogs’ paws.
Best Kayak for Dogs
If you have big dogs who are looking forward to spending time with you over the clear waters while kayaking, below are the best options you can choose from.
1. Sea Eagle SE370KP Inflatable Kayak
Highlights:
- A professional outdoor kayak that’s ideal for Class III whitewater kayaking
- Can support a maximum weight of up to 650 pounds
- Built using durable materials such as an I-beam floor that increases rigidity while withstanding harsh outdoor elements
- Provides superior back support by allowing you to sit 5 inches off the floor with seats that are 21 inches deep, 19 inches tall, and 14 inches wide
- The company has been around since 1968 and proudly makes all their kayaks in the USA
The Sea Eagle SE370KP Inflatable Kayak allows you to get started with your water adventures in less than 10 minutes — with inflatable seats, you can also inflate or deflate the kayak with ease. Its Pro Package includes 2 deluxe inflated seats, 2 paddles with asymmetrical blades with aluminum shafts, 2 skegs at the bottom for better speed and tracking, a storage bag, and a repair kit. Moreover, it comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against manufacturing defects, which makes it the best choice for many pet owners.
Offering an inflatable and affordable sports kayak is as lightweight as it gets, but is still highly durable and stable. Weighing just 32 pounds, it can be packed down small enough to fit inside the smallest car trucks but don’t let its weight fool you. This rugged kayak has been rated to hold a maximum weight of 650 pounds for up to 3 people — just keep in mind that it’s best suited to accommodate 2 people and 1 furry friend.
Made using their unique, propriety 38mil Polykrylar K80 formula, this kayak was developed for years to achieve the durability and strength it has. Its comfortable DKS seats provide great back support and a higher seating position to get better visibility of your surroundings. Many kayakers also appreciate the 5-tube I-beam construction floor which provides better structural support while allowing for a higher weight capacity and faster paddling.
2. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Highlights:
- Its streamlined and low-profile design is perfect for use in mild rivers and lakes
- With a cockpit designed for space and comfort, along with a durable vinyl construction
- Comes with adjustable, inflatable seats with backrests along with a grab line on both ends
- Has an I-beam floor for rigidity and comfort, as well as a removable skeg for directional stability
- This good kayak is TUV-approved and U.S. Coast Guard I.D. – NMMA Certified
When you want a kayak that can be easily transported, you should check out the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, which comes in at just 35 pounds. Thanks to the Boston valve which can inflate and deflate in a matter of minutes it’s super easy to assemble, and the paddles come apart so everything can be stored inside the carrying bag which is included. With a streamlined design for exploring lakes and calm rivers, this great kayak is both fun and sporty while making paddling easy.
Made through durable vinyl construction, this kayak was built for top performance — it comes with a low-profile deck, an I-beam floor that’s inflatable, and buoyant side chambers. It has everything that adventurers and pet owners need in a kayak; stability, functionality, comfort, and performance while the removable skeg offers smooth directional movement. This 2-person kayak has a 400-pound weight capacity and comes in a bright yellow color that makes it highly visible in the water.
Because this kayak is on the lighter side, it’s more suitable for use by two adults and smaller dogs — once fully inflated, the kayak’s size is 10 ft 3in x 3ft x 1ft 8in. This great option comes with plenty of accessories such as two 86-inch paddles, 2 quick-fill Bonston valves, 2 inflatable seats equipped with backrests, strong grab handles equipped with grab lines, one repair patch, and one high-output pump. Overall, this great option is easy to use and can be a great addition to anyone who wants to explore freshwater kayaking with their canine companions.
3. Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two-Tandem Kayak
Highlights:
- Offers a stackable design that the whole family can use should everyone get their own kayak
- Comes with a QuickStash Dry Hatch that provides convenient and waterproof storage
- With large cup holders located close to each seat, so your drinks are always within reach
- Has a triple-layer polyethylene hull that provides a stable ride even over ocean swells
- Provides enough space for 2 adults and a child or a dog, making it a true family kayak
If you’re looking for a bigger and more spacious option for your water adventures, you can’t go wrong with the Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu Two-Tandem Kayak, which brings twice the fun! This lightweight, compact, and newly redesigned kayak offers more stability and comfort compared to many other models and is the smaller sibling of the bigger Malibu Two XL. As a tandem kayak, it accommodates paddlers of every skill level thanks to the tri-hull construction designed for stability on calm rivers and moderate waves.
The Malibu Two can be used solo or tandem, with enough seats for 2 adults and a small pet or child — other options include the Malibu 9.5 and Malibu 11.5 solo kayaks as well as the Malibu Pedal kayak. As pioneers of the sit-on-top kayak, this tandem model features a simple and safe easy-to-board design that takes you out to the water and into action quickly. Unlike a traditional kayak, this features an open cockpit that doesn’t feel confining and inviting; this open design is perfect for people who want to kayak without feeling claustrophobic.
It also offers patented, overlapping footwells that allow for a paddler to sit in the center along with a comfortable foot brace; it can also be paddled solo using the Comfort Plus Seat Kit. Moreover, this kayak has been designed for versatility so you can use it along with an Old Town Riverstream life jacket which offers a thin construction that can be comfortably integrated into your seat. With these adjustable seats, you’ll find that the Malibu Two is an excellent choice whether you’re a novice or an experienced paddler out to have fun with your little one out in the water!
4. Perception Hi Life 11
Highlights:
- Designed to be used on slow-moving, calm, and flat coastal waters and rivers
- Bronze medal winner for 2018’s prestigious International Design Excellence Award under the sports, leisure, and recreation category
- With front and rear swim decks with hand grabs and low sides that make it easy to get in and out of the water
- Comes with an elevated seat and a supportive, fold-down backrest as well as thick padding all around
- Has a convenient drink holder that stops your favorite beverages from spilling
Offering the combined fun of stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking makes the Perception Hi Life 11, a USA-made kayak that’s perfect for sharing the water with pets or kids. Whether you’re standing or sitting, your comfort is all this kayak aims to provide; with an extra-padded and elevated seat with a fold-down backrest, it offers premium ergonomic support in a performance kayak. It comes with thick cushioning throughout the top of the surface to provide a soft, surefooted grip that you get from premium paddleboards.
This exceedingly stable kayak offers a design that has no compromises when it comes to maneuverability, speed, or weight savings. Perfect for novice to intermediate paddlers, you can easily transition from standing to sitting on this kayak since it runs so smoothly and straight, making steering and maneuvering so effortless. Designed with one-piece and leak-proof construction, every Hi Life model also comes with a permanent U.S. Coast Guard-compliant hull identification number.
Furthermore, every Perception kayak has been designed to provide maximum durability and has been crafted using high-density polyethylene and a single-piece roto-molded construction. As a result, this kayak comes with exceptional abrasion, UV, and impact resistance while its ocean and saltwater-optimized hardware and finishes allow for plenty of adventures for the years to come. Finally, this kayak comes with a built-in cooler under the seat for your snacks and drinks — it’s also compatible with the Hi Life Convertible Paddle that’s sold separately.
5. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Kayak
Highlights:
- Paddles and tracks with ease while providing paddlers with maximum stability
- With a portable accessory carrier that can be used for extra storage
- At 51 pounds, this lightweight kayak is easy to carry but can hold up to 395 lbs
- Has a large, comfortable seating area with protective thigh pads, a paddle holder, and adjustable foot braces
- Comes with a storage compartment with a shock cord deck rigging
With the Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Kayak, you get the perfect recreational kayak for beginner and experienced kayakers. Featuring an open cockpit for quick entry and exit, this sit-on-top kayak can hold a weight of up to 395 lbs. Whether you have a smaller or larger dog, this kayak is big enough to accommodate them and offers maximum stability while out on the water.
Available in red or blue colors, this kayak is made using quality materials such as rugged UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene. It offers a large and comfortable seating area that’s suitable for longer outings along with a portable accessory carrier that can be used for extra storage. Moreover, it features flush-mount fishing rod holders that help to keep your gear secure and safe while you’re out on the lake or river.
Other features you’ll love on this dog-friendly kayak include adjustable foot braces, a paddle holder, protective thigh pads, shock cord deck rigging, a dry storage compartment, and retractable carrying handles that can help you transport it to and from your car.
What to Look for in the Best Kayaks for Dogs
Before buying a kayak, looking for the best option to go out on adventures with your canine companion is an important factor to consider. Below are a few things to check when you find a kayak that you like.
Stability
Some kayaks, such as those with flat bottoms or pontoon hulls offer a high level of stability and will feel more stable over flatwater. This can be more reassuring and comfortable for dogs, while kayaks that are V-shaped or rounded may feel unstable for dogs and could make them feel uneasy when the kayak starts rocking. As a result, your dog might jump off to escape the potential danger or it could topple your kayak as it frantically moves around.
Durability
This is a key feature when your kayak needs to deal with your dog’s claws; if you plan to get a hard-shell kayak, a polyethylene option may be a better choice compared to a composite option. Unfortunately, the durability of fiberglass kayaks isn’t as strong as plastic kayaks, which can handle scrapes and bumps better. Many inflatable kayaks are made from thick materials that have been designed to be resistant to punctures and tears, which are perfect for unsteady paws.
Comfort And Space
It’s imperative for your pup to feel comfortable inside your kayak as you paddle, otherwise, it may become so restless or fearful that it capsizes the whole kayak. Options with flat decks can be a better choice than ones that come with lots of foot braces, hatches, and other accessories that clutter the space. Wider kayaks can offer plenty of room for a dog to lie down compared to narrower options — alternatively, some dogs may be happier to stay by the rear cargo deck.
Capacity
The load capacity is another important factor to consider when choosing a dog-friendly kayak; this could be higher up in your priorities if you own a bigger dog or want to take more than one dog. It’s also vital that you think about the combined weight of all passengers and all your gear when calculating your total load. It’s important to leave enough room to spare in terms of capacity to ensure that your kayaking trips are always safe.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that kayaking with dogs can be a whole lot of fun, but it’s also important to ensure that you and your pal are safe at all times. Now that you have all the information you need to know about getting the perfect kayak for your furry friend, it’s time to check out the options on Amazon for the right choice for you and your needs.
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