If you love the outdoors, enjoy stunning scenery, like to keep fit and you have a dog, this is the perfect thing to keep you and your dog entertained on Saturday mornings.
Sup Tonic Australia had a vision to bring all these things together and in 2017 Pups on SUPs was born. It is essentially stand up paddle boarding (SUP) for dogs (and owners) at Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean.
We stumbled upon this wonderful activity whilst walking a friend's dog along the river. It not only caught our eye, but also that of all the dogs that walked past. We watched at a distance to begin with and then we wanted to know more so approached the shoreline and enquired what was going on.
Maree, the very friendly and experienced owner operator, explained that it is SUP for people and their best fur friends. When we were there, there were a whole host of dogs and owners that were out and about on the beautiful Swan River SUP-ing together, taking advantage of SUP Tonic Australia's hire facilities and expertise.
Our 'adopted' dog for the day, Charlii, was in awe of the boards and we decided to 'take the plunge' and have a go. She was so interested and we fancied a go too. Maree was just fabulous and gave us some basic tuition and safety instructions finishing with 'it is all about having fun.'
We started with getting Charlii used to the board and letting her walk on it; that was no problem as she was so keen.
Other owners were getting their dogs used to the boards by way of a food reward. This was working well for them and was premeditated. Charlii didn't need a food reward, thank goodness, as we didn't have anything with us.
The next step was for you to get on the board with your dog.
There were some first timers there and some veterans.
It certainly got all the dog owners talking with each other and all the dogs had a ball!
Charlii had a new friend join her on our board and then whilst out on the river, jumped back to her owner's board/
It was a happy atmosphere to be around and was infectious to those that watched on. It was one of the best things we have done in recent months and will definitely borrow our friend's dog and do it again (our dog is 17 and not up to it).
Maree advised that she gives a donation from each board hire to
SAFE Perth. SAFE Perth is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue, care, rehabilitation and rehoming of homeless and abandoned pets in Western Australia.
SUP Tonic Australia have a SUP school that caters to all ages and abilities, they take group bookings, can arrange parties and you can choose your venue;
Garvey Park, Ascot or
Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean.
Don't forget Pups on SUPs on Saturday mornings at Sandy Beach Reserve. Give it a go, you will not be disappointed. You will wish you had tried it months ago.
Gorgeous Garvey Park
