Join us for the Morning and Evening Paddles at Half Moon Bay’s Princeton Harbor in Conjunction with the Evenings Lighted Boat Festival, Chili Cookoff and Drone Show ~ Hosted by San Mateo County Harbor District.
*Wear your Santa hat, elf costume or reindeer antlers and join us for a morning Holiday Paddle in the harbor with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Choose a costume that you can paddle in and even swim in if necessary – don’t wear anything that will drag you under or limits your ability to move. Wearing a PFD is still encouraged even over your costume.
*FOR THE MORNING PADDLE, arrive by 9:00 AM to allow time to drop off your kayak/SUP, park and set up – the parade starts at 10 AM sharp!
*All morning paddlers will do the parade route within the inside breakwater, but after the parade, experienced paddlers can go further and paddle within the outer breakwater if they are comfortable doing so (a total of about 3 miles). The group will NOT be going out into open ocean. Only advanced and experienced paddlers can venture out of the breakwaters into open ocean and do so on their own and at their own risk.
*FOR THE NIGHT PADDLE, use lots of festive lights to light up your ride, dress appropriately for cold weather and possible cold water immersion and be ready to go any time after 5:00 PM.
*This paddle is on your own so you can go where you want within the harbor and enjoy each of the boat
decorations at your leisure. NO PADDLERS WILL BE ALLOWED UNDER THE FLY ZONE DURING THE DRONE SHOW BETWEEN 7:00-7:30 PM (the fly zone is located near the boat ramp so get out before 6:45 PM or stay on your board away from the boat ramp and near the pier until after the show).
*Water within the breakwater is typically protected, calm and flat unless there are high winds or poor weather in which case, the paddles may be canceled.
*There’s lots to see – harbor seals, sea lions, lots of different seabirds, possibly jellyfish and jumping salmon (just a reminder, per federal regulations, please keep 50 yards or 150 ft distance from the seals on the floats).
————————————————–Location Info———————————————————
*Find the paddle location by searching for “Pillar Point Launch Ramp, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019” on your map app
*For both paddles, the Kayak and SUP start and launch will be off the boat ramp and Pillar Point Harbor Beach (just south of the boat ramp) NOT the beach next to HMB Kayak rental.
*Please drop off SUPs and kayaks at the ramp or Pillar Point Harbor Beach (south of the ramp) before parking your car
*Parking is free
*Public restrooms are nearby
*Lots of great restaurants are close by for eating before or afterwards or go tasting at the Chili Cookoff
*Chili Cook off is from 12:00-4:00 PM
*Lighted Boat Festival is from 4:00-8:00 PM. and Drone show!
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Join us for the Lighted Boat Festival at Pillar Point Harbor and enjoy a Chili Cook Off, a variety of food trucks, Beer and Wine, Santa, kids’ crafts, and live performances by local bands.
The evening will culminate with a spectacular lighted drone show for the grand finale.
Don’t miss this festive community event that brings together the magic of the holiday season by the sea!
Backup date for possible bad weather will be Saturday December 21st, 2024.
Chili Cook Off Team Registration
Buy Chili Tasting Tickets
