Union Reservoir hosts first full moon paddle of the season

Rocky Mountain Paddleboards hosted its first Full Moon Paddleboard session of the year at Union Reservoir last night. 

The Thursday event was the first of three planned for the summer season. Rocky Mountain Paddleboard COO Victoria Rasnick was there to oversee and coordinate operations with her staff.

“This is our first full moon paddle in Longmont since 2019, and it’s such a great return to form,” Rasnick said. “I know the weather will clear up and we’ll have a beautiful Longmont sunset.”

Despite cool, blustery weather and a hint of rain, dozens of people ventured out to the reservoir to enjoy a refreshing evening on the water. The event brought families, friends and pets from all over Boulder County and the Denver metro area.

Jason Stolz, aquatics area supervisor for the city of Longmont, was at Union alongside park rangers to make sure the operations ran smoothly and safely. 

“We’re excited to have this first one for the season,” Stolz said. “Getting folks out here recreating outdoors and having this opportunity is a great thing for our community.”

Ray Beaudoin drove up with his family from Arvada, only his second time out on the kayak his wife got him as a Father’s Day gift this year.

“This is my first time for one of these moonlight paddles,” Beaudoin said. “The weather is beautiful and I’m stoked to get out in the water.”

The Full Moon Paddleboard sessions are open to anyone who registers, newcomers and experienced paddleboarders alike, according to Rasnick.

“Paddleboarding and kayaking are really accessible,” Rasnick said. “I think there’s something for everyone here, even if you want to play it safe and stay close to shore.”

Yolanda Hager came up to Union Reservoir with some of her friends from Boulder for her first-ever experience paddleboarding. Hager was enthusiastic to experience something new for her.

“I’ve been in the water before,” Hager laughed. “So I’m just hoping I don’t fall in. But it wasn’t a hard sell for my friends to talk me into it.”

The next opportunities to join the moonlight paddle boarders will be July 23 and August 22. Rasnick warned that the events fill up quickly in late summer, but was hopeful that the weather would hold out to add another moonlight session in September.

Residents looking for sign-up information can check Longmont’s Union Reservoir special events or Rocky Mountain Paddleboard directly.