Foster City - Saturday Night Paddle to Watch Water Lantern Festival

What Foster City is famous for? The stunning Lagoon!
Glide through navigable canals weaving around resort-like man-made islands (avg. 6’ deep). With panoramic views and calm waters, it’s one of the safest and most scenic paddles in the Bay Area.

Can that be even better? Watch Water Lantern Festival on our own boat!

📍 Meet: Foster City Boat Launch
⏰ Time:

• 5 PM – Arrive/set up gear (need extra time? Come early!)
• 5:30 PM – On-water intros + safety briefing → Leisurely paddle (< 2 mph) toward Edge Water Place Center.
• 6:45 PM - Snack break at Edge Water Place Center. A few coffee, snack shop and restaurants in the plaza, plus Osaka Marketplace (grocery store) offering a wide variety of Japanese to go food items. Only boat dock at the plaza, I can assist you getting on and off, but will be at your own risk. Restrooms available in the plaza. Feel free to bring your own food or stay in the boat during the break.
• 7:30 PM - Paddle to Leo Ryan Amphitheater where water lantern will be launched. (Sunset at 7:12 PM)
• 8:00 PM - Watch water lantern launch from Leo J Ryan Park
• 8:30 PM - Heading back, return to dock no later than 9 PM

Parking: Free parking
Restroom: Onsite

What to bring:

• Your boat (Kayak/SUP, inflatable OK)
• Must wear a properly fitted PFD at all times.
• A whistle to call for help in distress. (Some PFD models have whistles attached).
• Boat light. A bike light or head lamp would do.
• Snacks

This is considered a beginner friendly trip, with round trip about 3.5 miles.
We may cut the trip short and skip Edge water place center based on weather condition and paddler dynamics.
High wind cancels the event.

[Disclaimer]
The organizers of this trip are not experts, not professional paddlers and do not necessarily have safety training or carry any safety equipment.
There is an inherent risk of personal injury while paddling. The organizer assumes no responsibility for your safety while you are with the group. This is an informal event for like-minded people to get together and share a passion for paddling. Everyone acts as a safety paddler and will respond to help a fellow paddler in distress to the level they are able. You are responsible for your own safety and by voluntarily participating in this event, you fully agree with these statements and release any and all organizers from any claims or legal liability.