Yes—this event is dog-friendly. Dogs must be well-behaved, leashed on land, and owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.

Are there weight limits for dogs in kayaks?

Yes—no dogs over 20 lbs are allowed in kayaks due to stability concerns; larger dogs should join on SUPs with experienced handlers.

What if I’m a first-time paddler?

Beginner tickets include on-land instruction and extra hands-on coaching; the sheltered no-wake channel is ideal for learning.

Check-in is at the launch area behind the Courtyard Marriott Hotel next to the water—arrive early to complete waivers and get fitted.

What is the age requirement?

Participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What happens if weather is bad?

Events may be modified, rescheduled, or canceled for wind, tide, or safety concerns; SUP Pups will notify guests in advance.

San Diego Auburn Club Private Paddle: Dog-Friendly SUP at Liberty Station

Liberty Station, San Diego—where a calm, protected channel off San Diego Bay meets a lively waterfront district—provides the setting for the San Diego Auburn Club Private Paddle Experience, a social stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) event led by owner and lead instructor Samantha. This private, alumni-focused outing takes place in a no-wake zone at Liberty Station, offering sheltered water, minimal boat traffic, and scenic waterfront views that make it ideal for first-timers, dog teams, and anyone wanting a relaxed evening on the water. The trip begins with an on-land orientation behind the Courtyard Marriott Hotel where participants get fitted for boards and life jackets and receive paddle technique and safety coaching. Once launched, paddlers cross a placid channel edged by low seawalls and grassy shoreline paths, the water often dotted with double-crested cormorants and terns. Expect easy, steady paddling across glassy flats with chances to drift and chat while guides capture action photos. The social itinerary includes 1–1.5 hours on the water, return to shore for group photos, and an optional bonfire-style social hour with light refreshments. What makes this outing stand out for San Diego visitors is its fusion of community and accessibility: SUP Pups specializes in private, dog-friendly SUP gatherings and is one of the few local operators that consistently programs group events for alumni clubs and private parties. Samantha’s decade-plus experience on San Diego waters shows in patient instruction, dog-handling guidance, and a safety-first approach that scales to mixed-experience groups. The launch site at Liberty Station links to a broader recreational area with an approachable shoreline, making transitions from land to water simple even for nervous first-timers. Beyond exercise and socializing, the event is a low-impact way to observe estuarine life and brush against local maritime history. Liberty Station occupies the redeveloped Naval Training Center grounds, and paddling here connects you to a waterfront that has shifted from military use to public recreation. To protect that resource, SUP Pups enforces on-land leash rules, limits kayak dog size for stability, and adapts outings to wind and tide conditions. Families, alumni, and dog owners will find this experience both manageable and memorable: expect tailored coaching, complimentary photos, a calm route with gentle current, and the small-party feel of a private charter. Whether you’re trying SUP for the first time or bringing your well-trained pup for a sunset cruise, the San Diego Auburn Club Private Paddle Experience offers a friendly, picture-ready way to spend an evening in San Diego. Guests typically leave with stronger balance, new connections, and a gallery of complimentary photos that capture dog-and-paddler moments; bring a waterproof phone case, wear quick-dry layers, and come ready to trade stories at the post-paddle social to extend the evening and memories.