Do I need prior paddle experience?

No—this meetup is beginner-friendly; instructors provide a short land demo and hands-on support for first-timers.

Can my dog ride on the board with me?

Yes—many owners have dogs on board; staff advise on positioning and recommend hard boards for larger dogs.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes—human and dog life jackets are included with rental tickets.

What if my dog is reactive?

Reactive dogs should attend private sessions rather than big group meetups; the event restricts reactive dogs for safety.

What is the meeting location?

Liberty Station, 2592 Laning Rd. San Diego, CA 92106—check in behind the Courtyard Marriott at the yellow tent.

What happens if weather or water conditions are poor?

SUP Pups may modify, reschedule, or cancel events for safety and will notify ticket holders of changes.

Berners Board Bash: Sunset SUP Social for Bernese Mountain Dogs at Liberty Station

Berners Board Bash Paddle Social brings together Bernese Mountain Dogs and their people for an easy, sunset stand-up paddle at Liberty Station, 2592 Laning Rd. San Diego, CA 92106. Launched by SUP Pups and hosted by Sumo the Berner, this three-hour meetup turns a routine evening on the water into an unexpectedly joyful local ritual. The meeting point sits on the grassy launch behind the Courtyard Marriott, where participants check in under a yellow tent and get fitted with high-quality, stable boards, human and canine life jackets, and a few pointers before stepping into the calm evening water. The paddle itself explores the sheltered waters off Liberty Station—a part of San Diego’s waterfront with gentle tidal flats, broad views of the city shoreline, and small inlets that make for protected, beginner-friendly conditions. Key scene elements include the open waterway, the grassy post-paddle gathering spot, the bonfire, and the Puppaccino station that keeps dogs happy after the paddle. SUP Pups stands out in Southern California for specializing in dog-friendly paddles with canine safety baked into every detail: on-water support staff, breed-specific meetups like the Berners Board Bash, professional action photos included in the ticket, and a community-first approach. For Bernese Mountain Dog owners this is more than an event; it’s a targeted social space where giant, outgoing dogs can romp, compare training tips, and meet other owners who understand the breed’s temperament and needs. The evening follows a clear flow—check-in, a brief land demo and safety talk, a guided group launch, a gentle one-hour group paddle timed for sunset, then a shore-side bonfire with snacks and socializing. Rental options accommodate first-timers with extra coaching, experienced paddlers, and people who bring their own boards. The operator’s recommendation to use a hard board for dogs over 20 pounds is a practical touch that reflects real-world experience. Bring proof of waiver completion, a leash for on-land control, and a basic level of comfort in the water. Dogs must be friendly and non-reactive in groups; participants under 18 need an accompanying adult. Weather and water conditions can prompt changes, but SUP Pups communicates safety-first decisions clearly. This paddle delivers easy access to San Diego’s waterfront, a tight-knit, breed-centered community, and hands-on support that makes paddling with a large dog feel safe and fun—a rare, focused outdoor outing where canine companions are the guests of honor. Whether you’re trying a first-time SUP session with your Bernese or returning with a certified SUP Pup, the Berners Board Bash is designed to lower the worry and raise the fun. Plan to arrive early, fill out waivers, bring water, towel, and a willingness to meet people. Expect laughter, photos, and a calm sunset paddle with friends and dogs together.