2027 Clear Lake Splash In

A Lake Worth Flying To

Clear Lake is California’s largest natural freshwater lake, located in Lake County approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco. At only 1,320 feet elevation, it offers year-round flying conditions that coastal pilots can rarely count on, surrounded by hills, wineries, and small communities with a long and warm relationship with aviation.

Clear Lake is also recognized as one of the premier largemouth bass fisheries in the world, regularly hosting professional tournament circuits and drawing anglers from across the country — yet another reason this corner of Northern California rewards a visit from the air.

In June, the weather is reliably beautiful — long days with calm mornings ideal for flying, and warm evenings made for dining under the stars.

Clear Lake has deep roots in American aviation history. In 1937, Pan American Airlines designated it as an alternate landing area for its Boeing 314 Clipper flying boats whenever San Francisco Bay was socked in. During World War II, Navy PBY Catalinas and Martin PBM Mariners trained on these waters. The Martin JRM Mars — the largest production flying boat ever built — operated from Clear Lake as well. That heritage lives on in the 2026 Clear Lake Splash In.

A Program That Goes Far Beyond the Ramp

The 2026 Clear Lake Splash In featured one of the richest educational programs in the event’s history.

Featured Presentations

Bob Tweedie, Economic Development Director, City of Tavares, Florida, outlined how America’s Seaplane City developed seaplane infrastructure to stimulate its economy. Friday, June 5, 11:00 a.m.

Ray Hawkins, Director of the Colorado Seaplane Initiative, presented his work to expand seaplane operations in Colorado and lessons that apply around the country.

Frankie Ridolfi, President of EAA Chapter 1686 (Oakland, CA) and owner and pilot of a Super Petrel shared how his love of flying seaplanes helped him rise again after near-fatal burn injuries.

Flying Seaplanes in Oregon — A panel discussion exploring the best places to fly seaplanes in Oregon, featuring Steve Bateman, Steve McCaughey, and additional panelists.

Flying Seaplanes in Alaska — Chris Brown shared his experiences working as a floatplane pilot in Alaska.

Steve Bateman, President of the Oregon Pilots Association — presented the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum.

Aquatic Invasive Species — An essential session for every seaplane pilot operating on Clear Lake.

Aircraft Electrification and Aerial Firefighting — Presentations on the leading edge of seaplane innovation, including the expanding role of water-based aircraft in aerial firefighting as wildfires reshape the American West.

A Cornerstone Commitment to Young Aviators

Under the leadership of Jill Rothstein, Director of the 2026 Clear Lake Splash In Youth Program, the event created experiences designed to show Lake County young people what aviation careers actually look like — not through brochures or videos, but through real interaction with seaplane pilots and their aircraft.

Youth activities included a flight simulator, model airplane displays by the Clearlake Modelers club, and meet-the-pilots sessions at the aircraft ramp where young people could climb into cockpits and begin to imagine themselves in the seat. The academic foundation was the AOPA High School STEM Aviation Curriculum, implemented at Lakeport Unified School District and supported by the Clear Lake Flying Club.

A Journey Across America — In Photographs

The 2026 Clear Lake Splash In featured a photo exhibit documenting an extraordinary cross-country adventure: the ferry flight of a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D on Edo 1320 straight floats from Rising Sun Seaplane Base in Indiana to Clear Lake. Threading rivers, reservoirs, and lakes across the American interior, that journey is the subject of the forthcoming book The Horizon’s Calls: A Journey Across America by Seaplane. The photographs brought the trip to life and offered a rare window into the experience of flying light floatplanes across a continent.

Community Woven Into Every Detail

Welcome Dinner — Friday, June 5: The week opened with the traditional welcome dinner hosted at the Lakeport residence of Tom and Ruth Lincoln.

Awards Dinner — Saturday, June 6: The awards dinner was prepared and served by the Lakeport Lions Club. Kiwanis Club of Lakeport served beverages including Lake County wines. A screening of videos featuring the latest innovations with seaplanes followed the presentation of the awards.

Classic Car Display: Members of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club of Northern California displayed Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles at the resort.

Event Summary

The 2025 Clear Lake Splash In successfully brought together seaplane pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and industry professionals for three days of education, networking, and celebration at the beautiful Skylark Shores Resort in Lakeport, California. This premier West Coast seaplane gathering featured expert presentations, aircraft demonstrations, and valuable networking opportunities, all while showcasing the latest innovations in seaplane technology and operations. The event was made possible through the generous support of numerous aviation organizations, local businesses, and community partners, demonstrating the strong collaborative spirit within the seaplane community.

Event Highlights

Expert Presentations & Education

“Which Seaplane Is Right For You?” comprehensive sessions covering the Republic RC-3 Seabee and Grumman G-44 Widgeon

FAA WINGS Credit Seminars including safety presentations on flying near boats, buildings, and people, plus accident prevention strategies

Innovation Showcase

Seaplane Technology Presentations featuring the cutting-edge Vickers Wave and Super Petrel XP developments

Industry Networking connecting pilots with manufacturers, service providers, and aviation professionals

“Straight Floats Across the USA” featuring Herb Lingl’s remarkable cross-country seaplane ferry flight journey

Youth Aviation Programming

AOPA High School STEM Aviation Program showcase, implemented at Clear Lake High School

Next Generation Pilot Development supporting future aviation careers with hands-on educational opportunities

Community & Industry Support

Extensive Partnerships with AOPA, Seaplane Pilots Association, City of Lakeport, and Lake County Chamber of Commerce

Local Business Collaboration demonstrating strong community support for aviation tourism

Awards Dinner & Special Screenings including exclusive video content from Italy’s Aero Club Como, the world’s oldest seaplane club