December 13th • 1130am
Dress loud and paddle proud: Yak N Sup’s Santa Paddle & Ugly Sweater Contest on Canyon Lake combines holiday hijinks with a relaxed stand-up paddle parade into Tortilla Creek Cove. Bring your own board or rent one, grab cocoa, and vie for the $100 gift card prize.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic balance and short paddling bursts are required but no advanced conditioning is necessary
Wildlife
History
Canyon Lake is part of the Salt River reservoir system created by early twentieth-century dam projects, tying the area’s modern recreation to Arizona’s water-management history.
Conservation
Practice launch-to-launch etiquette: pack out trash, avoid disturbing riparian vegetation, and rinse gear between lakes to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Yak N Sup
December 13th • 1130am
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 for Check-in
Plan to be at 16802 AZ-88 at least 15 minutes before launch to complete waivers, get fitted for a PFD, and join the ugly-sweater photo session.
Dress for Wet, Sunny Conditions
Wear quick-drying layers and reef or water shoes — the desert sun can be intense even in December and decks get slippery when wet.
Protect Your Phone and Valuables
Use a dry bag or waterproof case; reflections in the cove make great photos, but phones fall easily from boards.
Bring a Dog Life Jacket If Bringing a Pet
Event materials welcome holiday pups; a canine PFD and secure leash or crate for shore breaks keep everyone safe.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Required for safety and typically provided with rentals, but bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.
Dry Bag
Protects phone, keys, and extra layers during the paddle and keeps items dry if you capsize.
Water Shoes
Grippy, quick-drying shoes make launches and shore excursions easier on rocky or sandy beaches.
Insulating Layer or Light Jacket
A lightweight, windproof layer helps when desert winds lower temperatures near sunset.
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