Can Dogs Go in an Inflatable Kayak?
This is a question that gets asked often. If you love to kayak and you have a dog, it is natural to want to bring your dog kayaking with you.
Can an inflatable kayak handle the claws of a dog?
The answer is YES. Most inflatable kayaks are built tough… really tough. They are more than able to handle dogs paws and claws.
I would recommend putting down some sort of blanket or pad that your dog is used to already in order for him to be more comfortable in the kayak. However even without, you do not have to worry about the dog puncturing the inflatable material.
There are certain inflatable kayak manufacturers that I would recommend over others for dogs. These are:
In the inflatable kayak world, the above listed companies offer the highest quality inflatable boats. They all come with warranties and are backed by solid reputations. There is quite a range of models and prices so it will not be hard to find one that suits your budget as well as your needs.
If you do plan on taking your dog kayaking with you there are certain guidelines that are wise to follow.
- Never leash your dog to the kayak. This poses a serious safety risk for your dog should the kayak tip or should the dog try to jump out. This is an extremely important thing to remember as it could cause your dog to drown.
- Always have your dog wear a lifejacket. A doggy pfd is essential for your dogs safety. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a pfd will help if your dog gets tired or if the boat capsizes.
- Bring the essentials… meaning water for your dog, treats and safety equipment.
- Have patience when practicing training your dog to get into your inflatable kayak and to stay seated while you kayak. This may take a little time to master, so have patience with your furry friend.
For much more information and tips on taking your dog kayaking please read our post Kayaking with your Dog.
NRS Canine Flotation Device
November 17, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Featured Deals
Discount: 40% off
Product: NRS Canine Flotation Device
Store: NRSWeb.com
Info: This pfd will provide extra safety for any dog that spends time near the water or on a kayak. It fits snug, is very secure and won’t interfere with your dog’s range of motion.
NRS Dog PFD features:
- 1000-denier Cordura shell – extremely tough
- Buckles secure the vest with three adjustment straps at the waist and neck
- Grab handle on top of the vest really helps to get your dog back into the kayak if he is tired from swimming
- Zippered pocket is great for stowing the leash and for doggie snacks
- Reflective tape on the red model
- Rugged leash ring
This PFD has sizes that range from XS to XL. The mossy colored one is on sale for 40% off. The red colored model is not on sale. If you take your dog out kayaking with you it is imperative that your pet where a flotation device. The NRS Canine Flotation Device is the perfect accessory for your dogs safe and fun water activities.
View more reviews on popular dog water gear.
Where is the Best Place to Sit in a Tandem Kayak?
October 6, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Essential Tips
A few very common questions are who sits where in a tandem kayak? If paddling a tandem kayak solo, is it best to sit in the front or the back? Should the seating arrangements be any different if you are paddling an inflatable kayak? Here are some facts that will help you to answer these questions…
Consider the weight of each person
A kayak will perform best when loaded evenly. If it cannot be completely even then you want the heavier weight to be at the back… unless you are paddling into heavy winds then it will be better to have more weight up front.
Who is the more experienced kayaker?
Besides the consideration of weight it is usually better to have the more experienced kayaker sit in the rear. This is because the person in the back will usually be steering the kayak and will have the experience to know better how to direct it. However in calm conditions it is a great idea to put the new kayaker in the back seat so that they can gain experience as well as confidence.
Paddling a tandem kayak solo?
Many tandem kayaks have the ability to rearrange the seats. If possible remove one of the seats and secure your seat in the middle of the kayak. This is where you will get the best performance out of the boat and you will have the best control. If that is not possible then sit in the back of the kayak and place some gear or weight in the front of the boat to even out the weight distribution. You will have good control here, but not as good as in the middle of the kayak. I would not recommend sitting in the front of the kayak as you will have very little control in that seat.
If you bring along your dog or a child they will be best seated in the bow of the kayak. Keep yourself at the back so that you can see what is going on and be able to direct your boat and your crew on a fun adventure.
Do the seating arrangements stay the same in an inflatable kayak?
Yes they do stay the same. It makes no difference whether you are in a hard-shell kayak or an inflatable kayak. The same principles apply in order to get the best performance out of your boat.
Bottom Line…
So bottom line is when in doubt, put the larger person in the back of the kayak – otherwise known as the captains seat. However it is personal preference and you should do what feels right for both of you.
If paddling a double kayak solo, sit in the middle whenever possible, otherwise place yourself in the rear of the kayak with some extra weight up front.
With a little practice and experience you will know very quickly where you like to sit the most and what works best for you. It only takes a few quick trips to get to know your kayak well and to understand how it maneuvers. Apply the principles above and you will have no problems. Happy paddling!
Check out our list of the best online retailers for inflatable kayaks to find the best places to shop for kayaks, gear and accessories.
Doggie Lifejacket – Is Your Pup Prepared?
Taking your dog out kayaking with you can be such a great experience – for you and for your dog. However it is important that they are just as prepared as you are and safety of course is key. The most important piece of gear for your dog? – a doggie PFD (lifejacket). Whether your dog will be simply along for the ride, or possibly out to do some swimming, he will need a lifejacket for support and safety.
Your dogs PFD should fit snuggly. You want to be sure it stays on no matter what and that your dog can’t wiggle out of it. So measure your dogs chest carefully and be sure to read the size charts that are provided on the site you buy it from. Altrec Outdoors
has a great selection of dog water gear including lifejackets, travel water bowls, harnesses, dog packs, toys and more. Read more
Kayaking With Your Dog
June 19, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Essential Tips
If you are a dog lover as I am, then you will likely want to bring your pup kayaking with you for a day of fun on the water. Though this can be an extremely enjoyable experience for everyone concerned, there are some very important safety factors that need to be learned before attempting your first kayaking trip with Rover.
Not every dog is going to want to go kayaking. Some dogs are much better with water than others. However, if you feel that this is something your dog will enjoy then please follow the safety precautions below.
I would highly recommend only paddling with your dog in flat, calm waters. Whitewater rapids or large ocean swells can make the dog jumpy and possibly sick. The last thing you want to be worrying about while you are trying to maneuver your boat through the waves is whether your dog is still in the boat or not. Also in flat water you can take a break for your dog to do some swimming and then easily board him back onto the kayak.
Important Safety Precautions for your Pooch
Always, always, always have a pfd on you and your dog. This is common sense and you want this to be a fun day trip. Please don’t put your dog at risk of drowning because you didn’t want to put a lifejacket on him. They could go overboard and hit their head or get tired from swimming and not be able to get back into the kayak. A pfd will help them to be safe and have a lot more fun. Also should your boat capsize for some reason you want yourself to have a lifejacket on as well so that you are able to help your dog. Not every dog is going to want to wear a pfd or be comfortable in one. If this is the case with your dog, then kayaking with them is out of the question.
Getting in the Kayak – Practice Makes Perfect
With these two safety precautions out of the way you now need to teach your dog how to get in and out of the boat – from the shore and then from the water. This will take a little practice and I urge you to be patient with your dog and really make sure this step is covered. Start by holding the kayak still and ask your dog to get in. Then, immediately ask them to sit. It is very important that the dog learn there is no messing around while in the boat and they need to be very in-tune with your commands. Do not allow the dog to jump out of the boat until you give some sort of command.
Once your dog is sitting in the boat he will then need to learn to stay. You might want to try walking back up the bank and require that your dog stay in the boat by himself. Go over this again and again until you feel confident your dog is comfortable in the kayak. First try this in a familiar location. Once the dog seems more comfortable, try adding distractions.
Practice this routine and start adding longer duration and then longer distance between you and the kayak. Once you feel very confident that you dog is handling this well, you will want to launch the boat. Slowly push out the boat with your dog in it, or you can get into the boat first and then push out.
Try at first only going a short distance. Your dog will gradually get more used to being on the water and the different sounds that he hears. You will know how comfortable your dog is and how long you should stay out on the water.
No Rover – Don’t Chase the Ducks!
Be sure to have a good command that your dog knows for not going after ducks and other little creatures in the water. You could also bring a blanket or a familiar bed for the dog to lie down on in the kayak. This may help him to be more comfortable.
Never tie the dogs leash to the kayak. If your kayak were to overturn, the dog would be drowned. If you like you can use a waist leash tied to you and only use it if your dog is swimming and you want him to stay near the kayak.
It will be very helpful if your dog wears a harness so that you can always help to lift them out of the water and back into the kayak if you have to.
Again I will reiterate this very important point – never attach the dogs leash to their collar while in the kayak or swimming. It is far too dangerous and could cause the dog to drown.
Now that you know the safety precautions to take, what equipment should you bring along for the journey?
Important Dog Equipment for Paddling Adventures
- a leash
- harness - Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness
- doggy life jacket - Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
- dog snacks and water – your dog will likely try to drink the lake water but try to encourage them only to drink their own fresh water by using the Ruff Wear Quencher Dog Bowl
- dog water toys (always makes for more fun)
- sunscreen (The pink pigment on your dogs face or any bare spots on their skin will burn if not protected by sunscreen. Remember that the water reflects the sun’s rays and dogs, just like humans, can easily get burned)
- first aid kit (in a dry bag)
- poop baggies of course
For a complete list of dog water gear check out Altrec Outdoors as I have found their selection to be really good. Now you are ready for a day of fun with your favorite pup out on the water. Have a great time and be safe.
