SuperDuperMoon Paddle

Join us July 3rd for a magical night on the water under the big, bright, full moon ~ a tradition we our proud to continue to hold in honor of the Full Moon Paddle queen herself; our precious Mama Beryl; as she shines down on us from the stars ~ 

July 3rd brings the first SuperMoon of 2023

This SuperMoon is called the Buck SuperMoon named after our “four legged friends” as the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time of the year. 

What to know:

The sun sets on July 3rd at 9:34pm and the moon will start to rise at 9:00pm.

This gives us the perfect opportunity to enjoy an hour long paddle to North Bar under the light of dusk before we watch the moon rise over trees; serenaded by the sounds of the lively ecosystem of North Bar Lake. We will be ending our paddle with a toast to the moon and goodies on the dune at North Bar ~ where the tradition began.

Date: Monday, July 3rd

Location: We plan to paddle from the Manning Lighthouse at the north end of the Empire Public Beach 2.5 miles to North Bar Lake. This is the OG full moon paddle route – the section of the lakeshore that brought the full moon paddle tradition to life many many moons ago – a majorly special stretch of coastline.

Time: Be ready to launch from the Lighthouse at the Empire Public Beach by 8:20pm!

There will be a quick orientation and safety briefing at 8:20pm before we enter the water.

• • We will launch no later than 8:30pm so we may enjoy the full colors of sunset from the arms of Lake Michigan and shoot to arrive to North Bar Lake as the moon makes it’s way over the trees and reflects off of the still water of Lake Michigan at the entrance to North Bar Lake.

Being that we do like to take our time, we anticipate that this will be an hour & a half long paddle.

Important Details (please read): This can be a round trip or a point A to B paddle – the choice is yours!

• • If you intend to end your paddle at North Bar Lake you will need to drop a vehicle prior to start time. Then we will need to buddy up and carpool, which is such an awesome way to meet new friends! There will be one shop vehicle that can seat ~ 8 people able to cart folks back to Empire, however we anticipate many more than 8 attendants, therefore if you are able to buddy up and drop a vehicle with a friend that would be so grand! If you have room in your vehicle to seat other paddlers, then you get big humongous bonus points! Let’s work together to make sure all are able to participate & to head home post-paddle with ease.

• • • If you are to carpool from North Bar Lake you must first drop your water craft at the Empire Public Beach by the lighthouse (don’t worry – we have grand trust in our community, your gear will be safe 🙂 )
    • We recommend that you plan to drop your watercraft at the Empire Public Beach around 7:30pm, and then make the ~10 minute drive to North Bar Lake to drop your vehicle. The last ride from Sleeping Bear Surf will be leaving the North Bar Lake parking lot at 8:00pm so that we can get back to the beach, ready our gear, use the restroom if necessary, and be ready for action by 8:20pm. Please take into account the time necessary to pump up boards if you are paddling an inflatable. 🙂 

For those who wish for a longer paddle into the dark of night: It is likely that Ella will be making the return paddle to Empire Beach after a toast and some cheer on the dune at North Bar Lake. After our arrival to North Bar Lake we will allow you to let loose and go your own way. We just ask that please, for the sake of safety and Ella’s fragile spirit, pleasey please let Ella or additional organizers know that you are taking off into the night either back to your vehicle, or returning under the moon to Empire Beach before Ella is ready to depart. The returning group, if accompanying Ella, will likely return to Empire Beach by 11:30pm.

Weather: So far it looks like it is going to be clear skies, 80 degrees and calm water. Absolutely perfect. We’re crossing our fingers it stays this way, and we know our Mama will work her magic to ensure it does.

What to bring: 

1. Non-motorized watercraft of choice
   • Board / Boat
   • Paddle
   • Life jacket (per Coast Guard regulation, PFDs must be on the bodies of all kayak & canoe paddlers, and either worn or strapped to all SUPs) 
   • Leash (for all SUPs)
2.  Functioning Headlamp
3. Light / Lantern to put at the front of your watercraft
4.  Drinking water
5. Swimwear *if you plan to get wet*
6. Fleece and/or neoprene to stay warm (bring an extra cozy fleece for post-paddle)
7. A buddy!
8. A snack or beverage to pass if you wish to hang around at North Bar Lake to cheers and cheer under the moon at the conclusion of our paddle.

RSVP Now

This event is free, and we hope that it always will be. If you would like to support Sleeping Bear Surf and the Skrocki family so they can continue to organize and host events such as these in the name of Beryl, you may do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/barrel-beryl-in-love