Glow & Give Paddle: Sunset SUP with Dogs at Liberty Station, San Diego

On summer evenings at Liberty Station in San Diego, the water takes on a different kind of life. Glow & Give Paddle brings community, canine joy, and sunset light to the bay, launching from Liberty Station, 2592 Laning Rd. San Diego, CA 92106. This three-hour event pairs a relaxed stand-up paddle experience with a pet supply drive benefiting Paws of Coronado, and it’s as much about shared moments as it is about paddling. Paddlers meet behind the Courtyard Marriott Hotel to check in, get fitted for stable boards, and run a short land demo before launch. As small LED collars and leashes from Light Up Pups illuminate eager dogs, the group moves into calm evening waters where San Diego Bay flattens and the sunset paints low clouds and distant shorelines. The scene combines human conversation, canine curiosity, and a slow-moving parade of glowing shapes that reflects cleanly on sheltered water. SUP Pups outfits participants with high quality, stable boards, dog and human life jackets, on-water support staff, and complimentary snacks; professional action photos are included. Ticket tiers accommodate first-time dog paddlers, experienced SUP pups, and those who bring their own boards. Organizers emphasize safety—non-aggressive dogs only, waivers completed before arrival, leashes required on land, and staff on the water to assist launches and returns. The itinerary is simple and social: check-in at 6:30pm, land demo and launch prep, paddle at sunset, and a post-paddle bonfire with snacks, community time, and the donation-drive raffle. Donations such as blankets, pet food, cleaning supplies, toys, and leashes support Paws of Coronado and earn raffle tickets—an easy way to give while you glide. What makes this event special is the intersection of urban waterfront access and pet-focused community stewardship. Liberty Station’s launch area transforms into a playful, illuminated flotilla where even non-owners can join to support rescue animals. The combination of expertly managed equipment, canine-friendly protocol, and a cause-driven atmosphere creates a rare local tradition that’s both accessible and memorable. Practical notes: participants must be 18 or accompanied by a guardian, groups cap near 35, and weather or water conditions can prompt alterations. Bring a towel, leash, ID, and a donation if you can. For photographers, golden hour light plus glowing collars makes for dramatic silhouettes against the bay; for dog lovers, it’s a night of wagging tails, soft paddles, and community that gives back. Advance purchase of Light Up Pups glow collars and leashes is recommended; onsite quantities are limited and prices start at $29 for collars and $39 for leashes, with a $59 bundle. SUP Pups suggests renters choose hard boards for dogs over 20 lbs for stability, and kayakers can request kayak paddles to make dog handling easier on flat water.