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With twenty-two miles of shoreline, Big Bear Lake is ideal for paddlers, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, outriggers, skulls and rowboats. The many bays, coves and inlets provide exploration adventures and wildlife expeditions. Depending on the season, the observant paddler will be able to see mallard ducks, bald eagles, great blue herons, and mud hens, as well as trout, bass and sunfish. You may even get a glimpse of a beaver.

Whether you rent a boat or bring your own and launch at one of the convenient public boat ramps, remember that the prevailing wind is from the dam.  It is recommended to paddle up wind first. Be sure to consider this when finishing your tour of Big Bear Lake.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You need a Big Bear Lake Boat Permit and Zebra Mussel inspection or you will be ticketed! Kayak Canoe Big Bear Lake Permits / Fees - Tel: (909) 866-5796

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Five Best Paddling Experiences

1) Full Moon Paddle
Each month, as weather allows, paddlers leave in the early evening to paddle to the dam and watch the full moon rise. Check out the dates with the Mountain Paddle Club.

2) Picnic Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner on the Lake
Get some great eats at your favorite Big Bear restaurant and paddle out on the lake. Hook up with other paddlers for a floating meal or stop at one of the many coves along the non-residential shore.

3) Watch the Fireworks
Big Bear Lake is the perfect spot to watch the Fourth of July fireworks from. Grout Bay on the North Shore is especially good as it is directly across from the fireworks launching site and shallow enough to keep out many of the power boats.

4) Canoe and Kayak Tours at the Big Bear Discovery Center
During the summer, the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive (Highway 38) offers canoe and kayak tours with knowledgeable wildlife guides.

5) Big Bear PaddleFest
Big Bear PaddleFest is a festival of clinics and races for kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake. For two days in July, paddlers can test their stamina at 6700', take beginner through advanced clinics, and learn about the latest in paddling gear from vendors and sponsors at Big Bear PaddleFest.

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Resources for Paddling in Big Bear

Big Bear PaddleFest
Kayak and Canoe Clinics and Demos. Paddling Races, Raffles, Prizes

North Shore Trading Company
Instructional Clinics, Kayaks, Canoes & Paddles for Sale. Paddling Gear and Clothing

Big Bear Adventure Hostel
Paddle Guide, Maps

Big Bear Discovery Center
Tours and Paddling Information

Mountain Paddle Club
Group Paddling, Moonlight Paddling , Expeditions, Instruction

4 Seasons Coaching
Coaching and Endurance Run Training

 

Gear Rental for Paddling in Big Bear

North Shore Trading Company
Instructional Clinics, Kayaks, Canoes & Paddles for Sale. Paddling Gear and Clothing

Captain John's Fawn Harbor & Marina
Kayak and Canoe rentals

Johnny's Ski And Board House
Kayak Rentals

Big Bear Marina
Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Rental

Holloway's Northshore Marina
Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Rental

 

Lake Management for Paddling in Big Bear

Big Bear Municipal Water Department
Lake Management, Boat Permits, Lake Patrol, Quagga Mussel Inspection