Fill the Kayak & Reindeer Paddle Benefit 2023

Join us for our first ever Reindeer Paddle Benefit and help us spread some local cheer this holiday season!

Every year, The Kayak Centre’s paddling reindeer help escort Santa into town and this year we are hosting a public paddle drive to benefit local families in need. For anyone interested in joining us to escort Santa, we ask that you dress in your best elf/reindeer attire and decorate your kayak/paddleboard with holiday decor/lights!

We ask that participants donate one or more non-perishable food items as their entry fee as a way to help us “Fill the Kayak” for the North Kingstown Food Pantry.

The North Kingstown Food Pantry currently has over 400 requests from families. For many, the holiday season can be an especially trying time and by making a donation, it’s an opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of so many in our community and a way to ensure they have a wonderful holiday.

Requirements:

Limited to a max of 20 participants.
Open only to intermediate/experienced paddlers. Please no beginners.
Must have your own kayak, SUP, canoe, pedal board, etc.
Must wear a dry suit - no exceptions!

If you don't own one, you can rent one from us for $10.

Must be comfortable paddling at night. Although we will have lights and the town street lights keep the water somewhat lit, the harbor will still be dark.

How to Enter:

Entry fee: One or more non-perishable food item/canned good to help us "Fill the Kayak"
Call us at (401) 295-4400 to see if we still have dry suits available.

We only have a limited quantity and sizes available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

EVENT INFORMATION

Date: Friday, December 1, 2023

Time: Meet at The Kayak Centre launch at 4:30pm. We will get ready and start paddling over towards Gardner's around 5pm. We will be leading Santa into town at 5:30pm.

Launch Locations: The Kayak Centre launch at 10 Phillips St. (There is no parking allowed here. You can unload your kayak, but you must repark your car on the main street in town).

Paddling Route: We will start at our launch and then paddle to the dock next to Gardner's Seafood Wharf to meet up with Santa, who will be arriving via the SafeSea boat. We will then escort Santa to the Town Dock and be passing out candy canes to the children gathered.

Attire: Wear warm thermal layers and you will be wearing a dry suit and PFD on top. Any reindeer, elf, or holiday attire that can be worn over a dry suit and PFD is highly encouraged! Reindeer antlers, elf hats, and Santa hats are encouraged!

Decoration: Decorating your paddle craft with holiday tinsel/garland and lights is encouraged!

Dry Suit Rental Information

Dry suits may be picked up the day before or the day of the paddle.
Dry suits must be returned within 24-hours of the event. Dry suits returned after Saturday, December 2nd will be subject to an additional full-day rental fee of $30.
Do NOT wash your rental dry suit, nor use any kind of soap or detergent on it. After use, please just let it air dry if not returning immediately after the event.