“It started in a bar, like all good ideas do.”
Thus begins the origin story of a spectacle known as the “Santa Paddle,” which for the past two years has brought a bit of only-in-Marblehead merriment to the holiday season while raising funds for a good cause, according to lead organizer Bill Kane.
“For the group involved, it checks all the boxes,” Kane said. “It raises money for the Marblehead Food Pantry, it’s a fun way to celebrate the holiday, and it’s an incredibly effective way to embarrass our teenage children.”
Once the seed was planted, the idea for the Santa Paddle “was further developed in the woods by a group of mountain bikers, and then solidified by the genius of Robert Simonelli of the Landing Restaurant,” Kane added.
The concept is straightforward, even if the result is a bit unusual. Paddlers commit to donating what they can, and a few of the participants underwrite the post-paddle festivities at The Landing, so that 100 percent of every participant’s donation fully supports the Food Pantry.
Participants then don full Santa garb and reconnoiter near the Eastern Yacht Club and launch into the water for a loop around Marblehead Harbor on their watercraft, mostly stand-up paddleboards.
The group heads past Riverhead Beach and past the Dolphin Yacht Club, from which they drew cheers. The Santas responded by waving and chanting “Ho, Ho, Ho” in unison.
“This year, we found more people recognizing us and mentioning us on social media,” Kane said.
The launch occurs around 11 a.m., and by around 11:45 a.m., the participants are welcomed back to shore at the town landing by family and friends and then head into The Landing to settle in for a celebration, but not before parading through the restaurant to the surprise of the early lunch crowd.
There were 14 participants this year, about the same number as last year, according to Kane. And while this was just the second Paddle, “we called it the 12th annual, just to sound legit and keep the number of participants up,” Kane said
For the third–or 13th?–Paddle in 2023, additional Santas would be welcome, with a caveat, according to Kane.
“We encourage others to join if–but only if–they’re willing to be safe,” Kane said. “All Santa Paddlers are experienced with their respective watercraft, dress appropriately for the cold water and air, and wear the appropriate personal flotation devices.”
He added, “We also have a safety boat looking out for us and have an alternative date if the weather or wind are not ideal.”
In addition to Kane, the full roster of paddling Santas this year included Dave Bracken, Darrin Stuart, Dave Weist, Zach Keenan, Tim Guy, Daan Goedkoop, Bob Rieckelman, Jim Clifford, Sean Gildea, John Scola, Patrick Andreasen, Norm Sherwood and Alexander Regnault.
Along with Simonelli, Bruce Durkee, who photographed the event, is also considered an event founder and important supporter, Kane said.
