Like Dorothy, you’ll be hearing plenty of cackling “Yeees, my pretty…” at Colorado’s Chatfield Reservoir this Halloween, as a flock of witches take to SUPs instead of their broomsticks for the 5th Annual Witch Paddle at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colo.
The event got its start n 2021, when founders Anna Marie, and her friend Katie, passionate paddleboarders and lovers of witchcraft, were unable to find a witch paddle to attend. Taking matters into their own well-warted hands, they organized an impromptu event on Facebook, inviting others to join them. The response was overwhelming, with 80 people showing up.
Encouraged by the success, Anna Marie decided to establish Witch Paddle as an annual tradition. “We were astounded when Chatfield State Park personally reached out to us, informing us of the permit requirement for our 2022 Facebook event that had unexpectedly gained massive traction with over 14,000 interested individuals,” says the homeschooling mother with a passion for paddleboarding and a knack for dressing up on any occasion. “The sheer magnitude of the response took us by surprise, as we had initially underestimated its reach. In our first official year, we hit our registration limit with over 400 enthusiastic attendees.”
Now, witches of all walks and SUPs can join her on her annual Witch Paddle for an unforgettable journey where paddleboarding, witchcraft, and camaraderie intertwine, offering an enchanting paddling experience.
Registration is required for paddlers at witchpaddle.com/register. Spectators are free with a Colorado State Park Pass.