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Celebrate a golden retriever’s birthday on the water—join SUP Pups for an afternoon of paddleboarding, swims, puppachinos, and community vibes at Liberty Station. Perfect for dog lovers and curious paddlers alike.
Celebrate a golden retriever’s birthday on the water—join SUP Pups for an afternoon of paddleboarding, swims, puppachinos, and community vibes at Liberty Station. Perfect for dog lovers and curious paddlers alike.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SUP Pups · San Diego, California
At the north shore of Liberty Station in San Diego, Layla's 6th Birthday Splash Bash is a sunny, low-key paddleboarding party where dogs take center stage. Hosted by SUP Pups at the launch behind the Courtyard Marriott (2592 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA 92106), the event turns calm, no-wake bay waters and a sandy beach into a playful scene of boards, swims, and puppy high-fives.
The format is simple and social: check in at the yellow tent with Instructor Samantha and Crystal, get fitted, run through a brief on-land demo and safety talk, then launch for 90 minutes of guided paddle time. The itinerary is built for fun and accessibility - beginners and seasoned paddlers alike share the water while golden retrievers and other friendly dogs cruise, jump, or paddle beside their owners. A puppachino station and a post-session bonfire round out the celebration, making it feel equal parts community meet-up and backyard party on the bay.
What makes this experience stand out in San Diego’s recreation scene is its specificity: it’s a dog-first SUP session in a protected bay setting. The flat, sheltered water reduces wind chop and makes balancing with a pup more manageable. The shoreline includes sandy launch areas and rocky, oyster-covered sections, so SUP Pups runs land-based safety briefings and designates launch zones to keep dogs and people clear of hazards. The private birthday format - hosted by Layla’s family - also gives the group a relaxed, non-commercial vibe that’s rare in larger rental fleets.
Practical details matter: participants must be 18 or accompanied by a guardian, complete waivers ahead of time, and follow leash rules on land. Dogs must be non-aggressive and comfortable around other animals; no retractable leashes are allowed. SUP Pups provides waist-style personal flotation devices on request and offers private lessons for extra confidence before the event using promo code EVENT.
For photographers and dog lovers, the scene delivers candid joy: sunlit boards, wet fur, and close-up action shots over shallow, clear water. The setting at Liberty Station is also convenient for families, with nearby parking and city services within short walking distance. Weather and bay conditions can change, so the operator reserves the right to modify or cancel for safety. Plan to arrive by 4:30 PM to park, use restrooms, apply sunscreen, and be ready for check-in between 4:30–4:45 PM. The group runs the on-land demo at 4:45–5:00 PM, launches around 5:00–5:15 PM, and paddles until roughly 6:30 PM - ideal daylight for late-afternoon photos and cooler temperatures. Friends and family are welcome to watch, photograph, and cheer aloud.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
Basic balance and comfort around water; able to kneel or stand on a board for short periods.
Yes—dogs must be non-aggressive, comfortable around other dogs and people, and on a flat leash while on land.
No—this event is beginner friendly with an on-land demo and guided paddle time; private lessons are available if you want extra confidence.
This private birthday event is generously hosted by Layla’s family and guests are invited to attend at no additional cost.
All participants must be checked in and ready by the start time; late arrivals may miss instruction and could be unable to join once the group launches.
SUP Pups can provide waist-style personal flotation devices; bring your own PFD if you prefer a different type.
The operator may modify, reschedule, or cancel the session for safety based on weather, wind, and water conditions.
Liberty Station’s waterfront serves as a popular local recreation area with launch access and open bay views used by community paddlers.
Keep dogs and gear clear of eelgrass and oyster beds, pack out all waste, and follow leash rules to reduce disturbance to shorebirds and marine life.
SUP Pups is a San Diego-based paddle boarding company that specializes in dog-friendly stand up paddleboard (SUP) lessons, private coaching, and community events. Founded to bring dog lovers together on the water, SUP Pups runs group paddles and themed events—like Pups & Paradise and Bark, Boards & Babes—alongside structured lessons for every skill level. Lessons include beginner-friendly Paddle Board Basics and Inflatable SUP Lesson 101, private sessions tailored for partners and pups, and intermediate clinics such as Advance Technique & Speed and Footwork & Play. SUP CUB Kid Lessons introduce ages 6–17 to water safety and paddling fundamentals in a supportive environment. Many sessions include a 10-minute land demo, on-water safety instruction, and action photos to capture the experience. Events and locations are centered in San Diego, with regular activity at Liberty Station and Ocean Beach. SUP Pups offers both group events and one-on-one instruction—private packages include photo documentation and personalized coaching. Multiple experiences are explicitly dog-friendly and designed to help pets feel comfortable on the board. SUP Pups emphasizes safety, clear instruction, and community engagement. Seasonal and charity-focused events invite local paddlers and dog owners to connect while supporting neighborhood causes. All programming is delivered in third-person professional instruction format and is accompanied by on-water equipment guidance, including inflating and caring for inflatable SUPs. Whether booking a beginner lesson, an advanced clinic, a kids class, or a themed event, guests can expect structured teaching, fun dog-friendly moments, and memorable paddles across San Diego waters.
Book with SUP Pups