Starting at $159/couple
Swap candlelit restaurants for a paddle-and-picnic on Canyon Lake—launch from Yak N Sup, glide through Tortilla Creek Cove, and claim a private beach for a 60-minute couples’ picnic. It’s an easy, photogenic 2.5-hour escape perfect for anniversaries and special moments.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Light aerobic fitness recommended; couples should be comfortable sitting and paddling for up to 90 minutes with short rests.
Wildlife
History
Canyon Lake was formed when Mormon Flat Dam impounded the Salt River in 1925, creating narrow canyons and lakes along the Salt River chain.
Conservation
Pack out what you bring, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and stick to sandy beach areas to protect fragile shoreline vegetation.
Yak N Sup
Starting at $159/couple
Yak N Sup is an outdoor paddle operator based in Apache Junction, Arizona, offering organized paddles on Canyon Lake. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Yak N Sup focuses on seasonal and special-event paddle experiences that highlight the natural scenery of the Salt River and Canyon Lake corridor. The business is best known for the Santa Paddle & Ugly Sweater Contest, a holiday paddle that combines festive fun with lake views. Participants paddle into Canyon Lake, take part in an ugly sweater contest, enjoy hot cocoa, and compete for a $100 gift card prize.
Trips are organized with clear start points and a defined itinerary for the holiday event. Yak N Sup emphasizes accessible outdoor recreation suitable for individuals, families, and small groups seeking a social, seasonal outing on the water. The holiday paddle is designed as a communal celebration with seasonal themes and lighthearted competition rather than a performance race.
Booking information, dates, and meeting locations are provided through event listings such as The Adventure Collective and the business’ published trip descriptions. Visitors from Apache Junction and surrounding communities choose the holiday paddle for its scenic setting on Canyon Lake and the social atmosphere of the ugly sweater contest. Yak N Sup’s public listing and event descriptions offer the most reliable source for current schedules, entry requirements, and prize details.
Prospective participants should consult the event listing for availability, exact meeting times, safety guidelines, and any age or equipment requirements before booking. This ensures a safe and enjoyable trip always.
Location
Apache Junction, AZ
Base for Canyon Lake paddles
Tours Offered
Santa Paddle
Seasonal holiday paddle event
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Recognized event listing
Event Type
Holiday Paddle
Festive community outing
Check event listings for dates and availability, then book the seasonal Canyon Lake paddle for festive fun, hot cocoa, and a chance at a $100 gift card.
Arrive Early
Check in 15 minutes before launch to complete waivers and get fitted for PFDs; parking for one vehicle is included.
Sun Protection
Bring broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat—reflective water and desert sun intensify exposure even on cooler days.
Water Shoes
Wear water shoes or sandals that can get wet to make beaching and reboarding easier on rocky shorelines.
Pack Light, Pack Dry
Use a small dry bag for phones and cameras; extra gear can be left at the dock to avoid cumbersome paddling.
Sunscreen
Protects against strong desert sun reflected off the water.
summer
Water shoes
Protect feet when launching, beaching, and walking on rocky sand.
summer
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phones and wallets dry during the paddle and on the beach.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Adds warmth for cooler mornings and breezy late afternoons on the lake.
winter