Big Bear Paddlefest is July 18, 2015
As the lake level changes, so too, does the Big Bear PaddleFest. For the third time in its eight years of existence, the Big Bear PaddleFest has a new place to call home. Because of the lower lake level, the most recent venue, Swim Beach, is unavailable for 2015. But that didn’t worry event organizers Jim and Janet Dooley. They found a new place for this year’s fest, at The Pines Lakefront just east of Pine Knot Marina.
The Big Bear PaddleFest features a vendor expo, clinics and racing in all paddle sports categories. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a race for you in kayak, canoe and standup paddleboard.
Registration begins at 6 a.m. with a mandatory quagga mussel inspection. Races are scheduled to start at 7 a.m. for 20K, around-the-lake racing. A SUP yoga class is at 7:30 a.m. followed by 5K races at 8:30 a.m. SUP yoga is also available at 9 a.m. before the 10K races, which start at 9:30 a.m.
There is a kids Bear Challenge at 11 a.m. followed by a Kids fun race for ages 5 to 12. Standup paddleboard clinics are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
SUP sprints are at 11:30 a.m. and the popular SUP relay races are at noon.
Vendors at the expo include New Belgium Brewing Company, Hobie SUP, Yolo Boards, King’s Paddle Sports, Keen Footwear, the US Adaptive Recreation Center, US Coast Guard Auxiliary Paddlecraft, Smith Optics, Clif Bar, Nuun, Elev8 Pictures, Big Bear Vacations, Big Bear Fishing Adventures, The North Face, Gray Whale Paddle, California division of Boating and Waterways, Infinity Surfboard Company, Infinity Boards, Necky Kayaks and Cobian.
The day culminates with the awards ceremony and beach party from 1 to 3 p.m. with food, music and games. Stick around and watch the sun set on Big Bear Lake. Admission is free. There are entry fees for races.
For more information or to register, visit www.bigbearpaddlefest.com.
The Big Bear PaddleFest is sponsored by North Shore Trading Company and New Belgium Brewing Company. North Shore Trading Company is at 39130 North Shore Drive, Fawnskin. The Pines Lakefront is at 350 Alden Road, Big Bear Lake.