Paddle Pub party boat coming to the North Shore
Paddle Pub is a pedal-powered pub boat for the ultimate party on the water. Credit: Paddle Pub Long Island
Paddle Pub of Patchogue is headed to Huntington Harbor. The party boat, which launched last year, is expanding from the South Shore to the North Shore for the upcoming summer season with a new boat added to its fleet.
“We do 9 a.m. tours to sunset tours,” says Zak Seghrouchni, Paddle Pub owner. “There could be a corporate event followed by a retirement party, then a freshly 21 tour or a bachelorette party. Regardless of age, everyone has the same goal of having a blast.”
The 35-foot pontoon boat holds up to 26 passengers with 12 paddle stations, where guests sit down and actually help power the vessel. There are two types of tours: a mixer, which is open to the public or a private party. The boat, which is manned by a Master Captain and Party Host, runs through Halloween. Each trip is two hours and all on board must be 21 and over.
“People rotate in and out of the stations for the first 20 minutes as we paddle out towards the bay,” says Seghrouchni. “Then the party games come out.” There’s also a dance floor for those who want to cut loose or even sing karaoke.
“Each experience is tailored to whatever the guests are feeling," says Seghrouchni.
PADDLE PIT STOP
Each tour typically offers a pit stop where guests get off the boat for a quick excursion.
“Typically, we stop at a local business for 15-20 minutes,” says Seghrouchni. “Sometimes we go to a beach where you can take a swim or grab a drink at a pub on the water.”
All passengers must bring their own food and beverages on board (glass is not allowed).
“We provide the ice and coolers," Seghrouchni says. "This allows our guests to save a few bucks.”
Future entertainment plans for the Huntington Paddle Pub include Family Feud, live comedy, live DJ, paint night and silent disco parties.
THE REVIEWS ARE IN
Paddle Pub has been running in Patchogue for a year from Dublin Deck with positive results. Bob Thomson, of Long Beach, really got into the peddling part of the party.
“It was fun to help propel the boat with human power instead of ‘horsepower,’ ’’ says Thomson. “It’s good for the environment, good for your body and saves gas too.”
Kelly Friend, of Islip, offered some advice for attendees in Huntington: “Go with people that you know enjoy a good time and be prepared to laugh the entire time, except when you’re singing.”
Despite inclement weather, tours run rain or shine.
“Of course, no one wants a rainy day, but as soon as people get on then we start moving and grooving. There's a very unique aura about a rain tour,” says Seghrouchni. “Weather conditions do play a role where the boat ends up going depending on the currents.”
Costs range from $45-$65 per person depending on the time and day of the tour. Currently, the launch location in Huntington is yet to be determined. To book a Paddle Pub experience, call 631-778-1433 or visit: paddlepub.com.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
