Paddle Pawty at Liberty Station: Celebrate Goose’s Fourth with SUP Pups

On a sun-soft afternoon in Liberty Station, San Diego, a band of wobbling boards and wagging tails slices the calm mirror of the bay. Goose's Fabulous Four Paddle Pawty, hosted by SUP Pups, launches from Liberty Station (2592 Laning Rd.) behind the Courtyard Marriott and turns a simple stand-up paddle into a communal celebration — human paddlers partnered with their dogs for two hours of steady water, quick lessons, and lots of laughter. The setup is purposefully low-pressure. Meet at 12:45 p.m. to park, use the restroom, and apply sunscreen; check-in is at 1:00 p.m. with Instructor Samantha and Crystal, who fit guests for gear, run a concise on-land demo and safety talk, and coach handlers through dog-specific comfort techniques. Launch follows around 1:15 p.m., with water time from roughly 1:20–3:30 p.m., and a Pupachino station waiting at the end for four-legged participants. What makes this event stand out for San Diego’s outdoor scene is the combination of accessible coaching and a sheltered bay setting. Liberty Station’s no-wake waters are forgiving for first-timers, and the sandy beach launch area keeps entry simple. Instructors emphasize avoiding shoreline rocks and oyster-covered zones; owners must keep dogs on flat leashes on land and under control at all times. SUP Pups offers tiered rentals — Paddle Board Rental (no dog): $25; First Time SUP Pup Rental: $45; Experienced SUP Pup Rental: $35 — and a discount sponsored by Goose’s mom for this birthday gathering (a 6% booking fee is added at checkout). Beyond the party feel, this is an event that strengthens the local paddling community. It’s a place for new friendships, confidence-building, and shared photography moments against the backdrop of low, wind-sheltered bay water and nearby breakwaters. Expect to see common shorebirds and sailboats in the distance, and enjoy the social rhythms of group launch and return. Logistics matter: all participants must be 18 or accompanied by a guardian, complete a waiver beforehand, and arrive on time or risk missing instruction. Weather and water conditions can force modifications. For people who want extra prep, private lessons are available before the event using promo code EVENT. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday like Goose’s or simply need a dog-friendly way onto the water, this Paddle Pawty delivers a playful, safe, and scenic San Diego paddle that’s as rewarding for owners as it is for their pups. Bring a flat leash, a towel, and a secure pet life vest if your dog is unsure; SUP Pups provides a waist PFD for humans. The social, supervised format is an excellent introduction to San Diego paddle culture, and Liberty Station’s low-wind profile often delivers calm water ideal for steady boards and crisp photos of dogs balancing at the bow and for keepsake memories.