Buzz
Vacations are meant to be a break from routine, but they often come with the challenge of leaving behind pets that might not be suited for certain destinations—like cats who’d rather not explore WWII battlefields or hamsters who aren’t fans of the beach. Rather than leaving his beloved dog behind, retired orthopedic surgeon David Bahnson found a way to combine his passion for kayaking with his love for his golden retriever, Susie. According to The Dodo, after building a kayak from a standard kit, Susie found a cozy spot in the cargo compartment, and Bahnson realized she was a perfect fit.
To make the kayak more comfortable for his dog, Bahnson added a raised border, or "coaming," around the opening of the prebuilt compartment to stop water from splashing into Susie’s space. With that, they were ready to set off.
When Ginger, another dog, joined the family, Bahnson adapted the kayak by adding another opening. This created a balanced setup, with one dog in front and the other behind. This design is a better alternative to what many dog-owning kayakers do—keeping their dog in the same cockpit. While that increases closeness, it sacrifices mobility. As Bahnson told The Dodo, "That’s kind of awkward." His custom design allows both Susie and Ginger to have their own compartments.
Bahnson’s experience is not uncommon—many pet owners love taking their dogs on the water, but his custom-made kayak stands out. Bahnson points out that both Susie and Ginger had already joined him and his wife on trips using modes of transportation meant for humans, such as cars and planes. They were also comfortable on the water, often accompanying him on kayaking adventures (and even trying windsurfing once). However, not all dogs are suited for such activities. Age can be a factor, as older dogs may not be eager to try new things, especially if they involve water. A dog that refuses to sit still on land is likely to cause problems on a boat, and the last thing anyone wants is the scent of a wet dog.
For anyone interested in dog kayaking, there’s a resource called Dog Scout Camp, which teaches dogs and their owners important water safety skills. While it’s useful for dogs to be able to swim, the most crucial item is a personal flotation device (PFD), also known as a doggy life jacket. Just like with humans, safety should always come first for your dog. And let’s not forget how adorable your dog will look in a bright neon orange PFD.
