Where is check-in located?

Check-in is at the launch area behind the Courtyard Marriott Hotel at Liberty Station, 2592 Laning Rd.; look for the yellow tent and Instructor Samantha.

Are dogs required to be leashed?

Yes — dogs must be on a flat, non-retractable leash while on land and under owner control at all times; on-board behavior must be calm.

Do I need previous paddleboarding experience?

No — the session is designed for all skill levels with a short on-land demo and progressive coaching during the paddle.

What is the group size?

This is a private session typically limited to four participants to ensure personalized instruction and space for dogs.

Are there age restrictions?

Participants must be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; dogs must be healthy, non-aggressive, and comfortable around people and other dogs.

Paddle with Pups at Liberty Station: Private SUP Experience in San Diego

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?

SUP Pups may modify, reschedule, or cancel sessions due to wind, weather, or unsafe water conditions for safety; you will be notified in advance when possible.

On a quiet morning in Liberty Station, San Diego, a small group pushes off into the protected channel behind the Courtyard Marriott at 2592 Laning Rd. Here, Shelter to Soldier Alumni Private SUP Pups Experience pairs calm bay water with a purpose-built, dog-friendly paddleboarding session led by friendly instructors — meet Instructor Samantha at the yellow tent — designed to teach balance, build confidence, and create moments that stick.

The route stays in the no-wake channel of San Diego Bay, where glassy water and a low chop make learning comfortable even for first-timers and nervous pups. The setting offers clean lines of the San Diego skyline and a shoreline that shifts from marina slips to harbor-side green space. Key scene features include the protected channel, gentle tidal influence, and open sightlines to downtown — ideal for steady paddling and casual wildlife viewing.

This private session is small-group by design with a typical group size of four. The schedule is straightforward: check-in and gear fit at the launch area behind the Courtyard Marriott, an on-land demo covering paddle basics and dog comfort techniques, then an hour of guided paddling. Instruction focuses on incremental skill-building: kneeling entries, stance and stroke mechanics, weight distribution with a dog aboard, and easy recovery drills. Photographs are taken throughout so participants can keep memories, and there is a puppuccino celebration after the paddle.

What sets this experience apart is its community purpose and customized attention. Shelter to Soldier gifted the session to their alumni teams, and SUP Pups adapts coaching to individual comfort and dog temperament. The private, supportive structure reduces stress and creates space for connection, quiet reflection, and playful moments on the water.

Practicalities matter: meet at the launch behind the Courtyard Marriott at 2592 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA 92106. Complete waivers in advance, arrive on time to avoid missing instruction, and bring a flat leash for land use. All participants must be at least eighteen or accompanied by a guardian; dogs must be non-aggressive and under owner control. Sessions may be changed or canceled due to wind, weather, or unsafe water conditions.

For visitors staying in San Diego, this hour-plus adventure is an efficient way to sample stand-up paddling while enjoying skyline views and a friendly, dog-centered vibe. Whether you want to build board confidence, spend restorative time with a dog, or capture lively photos against an urban coastal backdrop, the Shelter to Soldier Alumni Private SUP Pups Experience turns Liberty Station’s calm channel into a uniquely welcoming paddling destination. Participants leave with improved balance, a stack of edited photos, a smiling dog, and practical skills to try new routes around San Diego Bay — an accessible gateway to more confident paddling adventures for future trips.