Glow-in-the-Dark Paddle at Buzzards Bay Coalition

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Glow-in-the-Dark Paddle!

FREE Community Event

Select participants and date

Date

Fri, Oct 24

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Experience the magic of the annual Glow-in-the-Dark Paddle at Onset Bay Center! Join us for a night of illuminated fun as you decorate your kayak or paddleboard and glide through the bay with friends and family. This unique, community-friendly event promises unforgettable memories under the stars!

LET'S GLOW!

Join us at the Onset Bay Center for our annual Glow-in-the-Dark Paddle!

Two opportunities to join us: Monday, September 8 (rain date Tuesday, September. 9) Wednesday, September 10 (rain date Thursday, September. 11)

We'll provide the craft, YOU provide the GLOW! Sign up to borrow a kayak or paddleboard, and bring your own GLOW decorations to light up yourself and your craft!

Paddle with your crew around Onset Bay, guided by Onset Bay Center staff. This family-friendly event is FREE and open to all members of the community! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants may bring their own board, kayak or other paddle craft, or book one of ours! Pre-registration is required in order to use OBC equipment, as space is limited!

Great options for single paddlers:

Single sit on top kayak (also a good option for 1 adult & 1 small child)
Single paddleboard

Great options for families or groups:

Tandem kayak (2-3 people)
Giant Paddleboard (6-10 people)

Schedule:

7:00-7:30 pm: Check in, gather on the beach, equipment check, time for you to decorate!

7:30pm: Safety brief and launch off from Onset Beach! (OBC staff and safety boats will lead the way!)

8:30 pm: All crafts back on the beach and put all boats away!

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please make sure all glow items are safe and appropriate and affixed to your craft so as not to come off while in the water. Spectators are welcome to stay on the beach or pier and watch the paddlers as they parade around the bay!

Personal floatation devices (PFDs) are required to be worn at all times while on the water for all participants. OBC PFDs will be available to anyone who needs to use them.

Adventure Tips

Wear Your PFD at All Times

Personal flotation devices are required for every paddler to ensure safety during this nighttime event.

Secure Your Glow Decorations

Make sure all glow sticks, LED lights, and decorations are firmly attached to your craft to avoid losing them in the water.

Register Early for Equipment

Space is limited for borrowing kayaks and paddleboards from the Onset Bay Center, so pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Bring Your Own Light Source

While you can decorate, it’s smart to bring a small waterproof flashlight or headlamp for personal safety and navigation on shore.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Osprey hunting over the bay during sunset
Great blue herons wading along the shoreline

History

Buzzards Bay has a long maritime heritage, once vital for fishing and shipbuilding, which is honored in current conservation efforts.

Conservation

Buzzards Bay Coalition actively works to reduce pollution and restore habitats to maintain water quality and biodiversity in the bay.

Glow-in-the-Dark Paddle at Buzzards Bay Coalition

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Overview