July 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

Page 4—July 2022
New rides, pirate ship at Holloway’s
Big Bear Today
sonal lake experience than a boat. Boats
let you see the lake; aboard a waverunner
you taste it! Boats bring you out on the
water; waverunners take you into it as you
splash through waves and mist, surrounded
by millions of cooling droplets of water.
“Yamaha SUVs are the most reliable
and fun machines we have,” Loren Hafen
said. “Three-seaters tend to be the most
popular rentals for families or even solo
riders. Go out with two, come back and
change out riders, do it over again. Dad
and two kids is a perfect combination—
you’ll have a ball.”
Time Bandit pirate ship is plying the
Big Bear seas after a complete off-season
renovation that included fresh paint
throughout. A one-third size replica of a
17th century Spanish galleon featured in
the movie of the same name, it’s the most
recognizable attraction at Holloway’s Marina
with three 50-foot masts, rigging and
work cannon that billows smoke with each
Ten new machines in brilliant popular
colors, ranging from standard
waverunners to sporty rides that
dart back and forth and turn on a dime.
The largest waverunner fleet on Big
Bear Lake got an infusion in the past year
after heavy demand took its toll on the Get
Wet Water Sports Center stock at
Holloway’s Marina and North Shore Landing.
The environmentally-friendly fourstroke
rides from Yamaha feature awardwinning
throttle and control systems that
make them easy to ride, oh-so-fast, and a
blast to play in the spray.
Waverunners have been signature
rides at Holloway’s and North Shore for
decades, going back to the old standup jet
ski days. Get Wet has pioneered the art of
personal watercraft on Big Bear Lake, offering
a wide selection of machines ranging
from one to multiple seat rides like Sea
Doos and Yamaha SUVs.
Waverunners make for a more perthunderous
shot. An
authentic pirate experience,
right down to
Jolly Roger flag and
rum drinks poured by
scurvy-dressed crew,
as Time Bandit offers
the only full cocktail
service found on any
lake tour boat.
Youngsters especially
love Time Bandit,
since they get to
raid the treasure chest
in search of booty
that includes toys and
rub-on tatoos so they can look the part too.
Kids can even can take a turn at the wheel
and say that they were at the helm of a pirate
ship! Adults sail for $34, seniors and
ages 13-17 are $31, 12 and under $25. Lap
child under 3 free.
Holloway’s Marina has nearly four
dozen pontoon boats with comfortable
bench seats and amenities like bluetooth
in its well-stocked fleet. Go out early in
the morning or later in the afternoon, before
10 a.m. or after 3 p.m., especially midweek,
for better selection and less lake traffic.
At press time there was availability for
July 4. Depart at 6:30, return after the fireworks
at 10, starting at $500.
While people often gravitate to pontoon
or fishing boats for their lake play,
power boats are also a good choice, Hafen
said. “For a couple that may or may not
have a child or two, they’re perfect,” he
said. “Nice to cruise around the lake and
have fun. They’re a little faster than pontoon
boats.”
For self-propelled fun Holloway’s and
North Shore Landing offer kayaks and
standup paddleboards. Plus water ski and
wakeboard rides, even tube pulls.
Be sure to check out the lift chairs
mounted by the water at Holloway’s, originally
from Rebel Ridge ski area. And the
adjacent wall is made of refurbished cement
sections from the old road over the
dam, built in 1925. Online booking too.
Holloway’s Marina (909-866-5706)
or North Shore Landing (909-878-4FUN
(Top) Scott Hindell and kids
Sofia and Luka have a blast
getting wet; tube pulls are
another way to play, as is Time
Bandit pirate ship