Join us Monday, August 19th 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 ~ 

The Sturgeon Moon is named after one of the oldest and most primitive fish species, therefore some astrologers believe that this moon spiritually signifies strength and resilience.

Tonight, August 19th, we are taking a once-in-a-blue-m0on opportunity to enjoy the full moon in solitude and we are encouraging you all to do the same. <3 

While we will not be hosting an in-person group paddle tonight, we hope you will take our recommendations and set off on a quiet adventure, or a paddle with some new friends!

Here are two fun options for you!

1. Paddle A: Point A to B Paddle *grab a buddy or make a friend & drop a car or a bike*: The Lower Platte River
   1. Drop your Gear: At Platte River Picnic Area Parking Lot across from Riverside Canoe Rental (Recommended time: 8:15pm)
   2. Drop your Vehicle: At the Platte Point Parking Area at the very end of Lake Michigan Rd. (~10 minute drive round trip)
   3. Hitch a Ride: Back to Platte River Picnic Area Parking Lot

This will be a Point A to Point B paddle and therefore we encourage you to have a buddy meet you to leave a car at your final destination or get a ride back to start upon your arrival!

Time: We recommend launching by 8:45pm to enjoy the colors of sunset from the water, and to watch the moon rise over Loon Lake ~9:35pm & guide your way down the river toward Platte Point. Anticipate two hours on the water. 

Paddle B. Out and Back Paddle: An Inland Lake Near You! 

The wind is blowing from the North/northeast toward the southwest,  The moon will be rising in East/SouthEast.

Find an inland lake put-in spot on the map near you that allows you to paddle north, into the wind which then you could drift back with the wind on your return. Always do the hard part first. The moon will start to rise over the horizon at 9:02pm, but you likely won’t be able to see it from the water until it comes over the trees around ~9:35pm. We recommend getting on the water to watch the sunset, and allowing yourself to paddle, parooze, and indulge in the wildlife, lightning bugs, peace & solace until the moon lights your way home.

Pro tip: Hug the northeast shoreline on your paddle up-wind

Give us a call if you would like some support finding a protected paddle put-in near you as we would love to help curate a beautiful evening for you.

What to know:

The sun sets on August 19th  at 8:43pm and the moon will begin to rise at 9:02pm – Often the moon won’t be visible from the water until ~30 minutes after moon-rise. Be patient, and keep looking southeast : )

What to Bring: 

1. Non-motorized watercraft of choice
   • Board / Boat
   • Paddle
2. 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) 
3. Leash (for all SUPs, prone boards, surfboards) 
4. Light / Lantern to put at the front of your watercraft
   • and/or Functioning Headlamp
5. Drinking water (or tea!)
6. Fleece and/or neoprene to stay warm (bring an extra cozy fleece for post-paddle)
7. A buddy! Or many!