Big Bear Lake, Ca June 5, 2011 12:00 pm – Big Bear Lake has attracted canoe and kayak enthusiasts for many years. With the large increase in the popularity of paddle sports, there have been even more paddlers on the lake each year. A tradition during the warmer months has been the monthly full moon paddles run by the Mountain Paddle Club. Paddlers with even a little bit of experience can enjoy the lake in the evening. According to David Dopps, the volunteer leader of the full moon paddles for over 15 years, even if the lake is windy during the afternoon, it calms down around sunset. He says it’s always been smooth and beautiful as the moon rises and his group paddles home. Interested paddlers can bring their boats or rent from Captain John’s, the launch site in Fawnskin. The important thing says Dopps is to have the correct clothing, a properly fitted life vest, a lake permit for your boat, and a flashlight or headlamp. In June the paddle trip under the full moon will be on Wednesday the 15th. The sunset and moonrise are at about 8:00 pm so the paddlers will launch at 7:30. They expect to be out on the lake until 10:00, enjoying the full moon on Big Bear Lake.
