Demystifying the Full Moon Paddle Trip
How to plan a memorable group paddling adventure by the light of a full moon.
The growing popularity of stand-up paddling (SUP) is palpable! And the increasing interest in unique experiences such as full-moon paddling trips are growing right along with it. These trips are a great way to enjoy the unique, surreal beauty as well as the serenity of the water under the light of the moon. Full-moon paddles might seem a bit of a obscure endeavor for some people, especially those a little afraid of being out in nature at night. As a popular and experienced paddle board outfitter, we’ll attempt to demystify this seemingly daunting, twilight adventure with some useful tips on how to organize and enjoy a full moon group paddling trip on your favorite still water.
1. Choose the right location
The first step in organizing a full-moon SUP trip is to choose the right location. Look for a lake that is calm and has minimal boat traffic. It should also have a clear view of the moon on the night of the trip.
2. Plan the trip in advance
Planning is crucial when it comes to organizing a successful full-moon SUP trip. Start by setting a date and time that works for everyone in the group. Check the weather forecast to ensure that the conditions are suitable for paddling. A great weather resource is windy.com. It is also important to check the moon phase and choose a night when the moon is full or close to full. Below is a list of dates for the 2024 full moon phases.
| Date | Moon |
| January 25 | Wolf Moon |
| February 24 | Snow Moon |
| March 25 | Worm Moon |
| April 23 | Pink Moon |
| May 23 | Flower Moon |
| June 21 | Strawberry Moon |
| July 21 | Deer Moon |
| August 19 | Super Sturgeon Moon, a seasonal blue moon |
| September 17 | Super Harvester Moon |
| October 17 | Super Hunter Moon |
| November 15 | Super Beaver Moon |
| December 15 | Hail Moon |
3. Get an early start
Don’t wait until dark to start your adventure. Starting at least an hour before sundown will give you enough time to not only get to a great spot to chill out, it’ll allow you time to enjoy the sunset on the water! Once you’re there, take a mental note of where you are, unique features on land and most importantly, identify where “home” is for your return paddle after dark. Remember, once it’s dark, visuals are greatly reduced and navigating is a lot more difficult.
4. Bring the right equipment with safety in mind
Safety should always be a top priority when organizing a full moon SUP trip. Make sure that everyone in the group is comfortable with paddling in the dark and has the necessary skills to navigate the water. It’s also important to bring the right equipment. Make sure that each member of the group has a high-quality paddleboard, paddle as well as a personal flotation device (PFD). A first-aid kit is often forgotten on trips like this. Have one on hand. It just might save the evening.
When you’re watching the go down and the moon come up, a great way to keep your group together is a series of straps that will connect each board. Bonus if you have an anchor or two to keep you from drifting!
We can’t forget to mention light! It’s smart to have a light at night on the water for obvious reasons. As light dissipates paddlers essentials disappear out there. Having a light let’s power boats that are navigating the same waters know where you are. In an emergency, a light can alert EMS, Coast Guard or others to your location. On top of that, U.S. Coast Guard laws state that “vessel(s)under oars” ie. canoes,kayaks & SUPs require “anelectric torch or lightedlantern showing a whitelight” which “shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.”
HERON Inflatable SUP+KAYAK Hybrid Paddle Board
SUP+Kayak Hybrid Inflatable Paddle Board with Supplemental Pontoons (accessories included)
6. Comfort is priceless
As the sun goes down, the temperatures fall, no matter the season. It can get even colder on the water. Make sure your group brings layers. Dry bags are a great way to carry jackets, gloves, etc… not to mention snacks, cell phones and safety equipment.
7. Enjoy it!
Once all the planning and preparation is done, it’s time to enjoy the experience. Paddling under the light of a full moon is quite a unique and unforgettable experience. We encourage you to take the time to really soak up these moments and appreciate the peace that the twilight can bring to a paddling experience.
8. Capture the moment
Finally, don’t forget to capture the moment with a camera. Take photos or videos of the group paddling under the moonlight. A GoPro is a great option with the low light conditions… not to mention they’re waterproof nowadays. Just make sure you don’t drop it in the drink!
So, to sum up: organizing a full-moon group paddling trip doesn’t have to cause heartache or mental anguish. It can absolutely be a unique, unforgettable and safe experience. As a paddle board outfitter, we recommend choosing the right location, planning in advance, outfitting with the right equipment, prioritizing safety, enjoying the experience, and capturing the moment. Hopefully, these eight tips will help you create a memorable and safe full-moon paddling trip that everyone in the group will cherish. Happy paddling!
 | Brock Munson | Contributor IG • FB • brock@chasingscale.com |
