You know it’s officially autumn when you see witches on paddleboards!
The second annual What’SUP Witches Paddle event is coming up next week on Saturday, October 5th.
The first rendition of this event took place in 2022 and saw over 100 people come out for a paddle dressed as witches and warlocks.
The Witches Paddle was started by Divya Kapila and Sarah Stringer who say they were inspired by seeing fun themed paddleboard events take place in bigger cities.
“We got into paddleboarding and loved going as groups, I am also a massive Halloween fan,” said Kapila.
“I started seeing online that there were many events like this hosted in other bigger cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle and Portland to name a few. I wanted to do a similar event, for free, on a lake while it is still a little warmer so it is more accessible to everyone.”
Those who wish to attend this event will find Kapila and Stringer dressed in full-witch garb at the main Thetis Lake beach with a table and witch hats for sale by donation as well as Halloween candy for munching on the paddle.
“You’ll see all sorts of witches and warlocks wandering around, at 2 p.m. we’ll all get on the water together and paddle to the end of Main Thetis lake, and paddle back together,” Kapila explained.
She added that there will be music for the paddle and although there is no official gathering after the paddle is over, attendees are welcome to stick around, hang out and enjoy the water.
Those hoping to paddle along with these witches should ensure that this is not their very first time on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
Kapila says all skill levels are welcome—this event is not meant to be a race—but people should at least know what they are doing on a SUP and be able to stand up.
That being said, she added that kids and pets are also welcome. She and Stringer want the event to be as accessible and welcoming as possible.
Those who want to attend but don’t have a paddleboard of their own can rent one for 25% off from Palli Palli Paddle with the discount code “Witches25%”.
Second annual What’SUP Witches Paddle
- Where: Thetis Lake main beach
- When: Saturday October 5th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: Free
