David Bahnson found a unique way to include his beloved Golden Retrievers in his outdoor adventures by building them a custom kayak! When he and his wife welcomed a second dog into their family, David realized he needed a way to fit both dogs in his wooden Pygmy Coho kayak if they were to join him on the water.
David’s dogs had always loved traveling with him, whether on land, by air, or by water. Determined to bring them along for kayaking trips, he decided to modify his kayak to comfortably accommodate them both.
David’s first dog, Susie, had initially fit in one of the kayak’s baggage compartments, though it was a tight squeeze for her. When they adopted their second Golden Retriever, Ginger, David knew he needed to make more room. Rather than getting a new kayak, he purchased another Pygmy Coho kayak kit and set out to customize it for his furry friends.
Instead of using the compartments for gear, David cut them smaller and narrower to create perfect, cozy spaces for his dogs. He also added coamings around the doggie seats to keep water from splashing in and ensure they stayed dry during their adventures. The compartments weren’t large enough for human feet, but they were just right for Susie and Ginger.
David shared that his dogs are well-behaved and always wait for his instructions to get in and out of the kayak. With the modifications complete, the family has already paddled many miles together, making memories on the water.
David’s dedication to including his dogs in his outdoor activities is truly inspiring. What a wonderful way to share adventures with your pets! Be sure to share this heartwarming story with your fellow dog lovers!
Photo credit: David Bahnson
