Friday, June 21st, 2024, at the Forebay Aquatic Center in Oroville, 27 people brought their stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, single and tandem for a three-hour paddle session during the strawberry full moon. The fun-for-the-whole-family event provided a chance to see the Forebay in a whole new light. The Full Moon Paddle was the first event in a series of five so if you missed this one, you still have a chance to get in on the action.
Mark your calendars:
- Sunday, July 21st from 7:30 pm-10:30 pm
- Monday, August 19th from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
- Tuesday, September 17th, 6:15 pm-9:15 pm
- Thursday, October 17th, 5:30 pm -8:30 pm 930
Garden Drive, Oroville, CA, 95965. Tickets are $25-45.
This event will give you an experience that leaves you feeling more connected with nature, whether just star gazing, relaxing on the water with friends and family, or seeing mountain lions, beavers, deer, and other critters. The website for the event also says it can be a fun date night.
Are you worried about being on the water at night? The full moon provides a unique light that provides plenty of visibility, but a flashlight or headlamp is also recommended. Staff members will also be there to help guide you back safely to shore, with dock lights to help you see the dock.
People Headed out into the fore bay at sunset.
People Headed out into the fore bay at sunset.
People Headed out into the fore bay at sunset.
The choice to paddle alone or in a larger group is up to you, as is the floatation device you want, but all flotation devices must be approved by staff before the event. Youth tickets are for children 12 and under, and minors will be required to be in a tandem or kid’s kayak with their adult.
There is ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON ALL TRIPS.
Event Organizers recommend the following items:
- Tops and bottoms because clothing will get wet; think insulating, quick dry, non-cotton fabrics such as wetsuits, swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops.
- A second pair of clothes to change into.
- Water shoes or solid sandals– no bare feet, or flip-flops.
- Water bottle and snacks; hydration is important always.
- Water-proof phone case/drybag/Ziploc bag.
- Sunscreen, flashlight, and/or headlamp for evening events.
You can also use a star app on your phone to see constellations; Venus was out on Friday, June 21st.
This event has been going on for at least five years now and sells out quickly. The ticketed event is the only opportunity to paddle at night, and the event organizers even have to obtain a special event pass. “This is a really cool, enjoyable event where kids to senior citizens all have a good, serene time,” said Rachel, an employee of the event, who also added, “one woman saw a mountain lion. Beavers come out of their lodge and slap the water if they think you come to close.”
Alon, a participant in the event who also brought his two kids along, was looking forward to “seeing the stars. I heard about the event last year but couldn’t make it. Did this year, and might next year too.”
Paul and Susan Kirk who have been coming to the full moon paddle for years now said the best part of the event is “the quiet, the hills, and the moon on the water is really cool.”
A Strawberry, also called Rose, Moon is full moon named after wild strawberries that ripen this month and are gathered by the Native Americans.
You will have to sign a waiver 45 minutes before sunset. Also, the Forebay requires a $8 fee for a day pass for parking unless you have the Forebay pass which starts at $175.00.
