Kayaks on Big Bear Lake for the Full Moon Paddle
   Photo: Caroline Quintanilla

  Captain John's Fawn Harbor Marina just before sunset  
Photo: Caroline Quintanilla  

By kayak, canoe, peddle boat, and paddle board, paddlers of all varieties participate in the Full Moon Paddles on Big Bear Lake.

The lake is a wonderful place to paddle at any time, but under the full moon, it has a special magic.

Each spring, as soon as the ice is gone and the weather is clear, between 10 and 30 paddlers take to the lake.  The event is held every month, most often between May and October or November of each year.  Usually, the full moon rises close to the time of sunset, so the group launches 30 - 60 minutes before the sun drops below the horizon.

The schedule of the 2010 paddles, with dates and launch times is posted on the local Mountain Paddle Club page on Facebook and in a Google Calendar.

David Dopps has been leading the group for more than 15 years.   Asking him about the trips, he gets excited.  "The lake can be very rough and windy when we set out.  Right after sunset, it becomes smooth as glass.  We paddle back on the trail of the moonlight.  Magic!  I always want to stay out longer."

  Sunset over the dam on Big Bear Lake
  Photo: David Dopps

The trips begin at Captain John's Fawn Harbor Marina in Grout Bay.  Captain John has been very welcoming of the group and has paddled along several times.  After leaving Grout Bay, the group turns west at Windy Point, passes the West Launch Ramp, and continues toward the dam.  The pace is relaxed and the trip is suitable for most paddlers.

Each boat is required to have a Big Bear Lake permit and to have been inspected for Quagga Mussels.  Getting the inspection and permits should be handled prior to the evening of the Full Moon Paddle.

The next full moon paddle will be launching at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 27, 2010.  Big Bear visitors, guests and residents are invited and welcomed.