Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs will be extra wicked these next couple of months, as witches and warlocks make their annual paddleboarding pilgrimage in honor of the spooky season.
Witch paddles — events in which people dress in costumes to paddleboard, kayak and canoe — have become increasingly popular in autumn, bewitching bodies of water from Morro Bay, Calif., to Portland and Vancouver. Last year, witchy Coloradans got in on the action with a meetup at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, hosted by a group called the SUP Sisters.
Anna Marie Madai helped organize a second witch paddle at Chatfield State Park in 2021, which saw about 80 participants. But this year’s encore garnered so much interest — more than 13,000 people RSVPed on Facebook — that the city of Littleton required organizers to pull permits and staff security and medical personnel for the Oct. 23 event. That’s why, in addition to the $10 state park entry fee, attendees are being asked to purchase a $30 ticket to help cover the costs.
The event has so far sold 100 tickets, Madai said.
“You’ll get a shirt and photos, and this covers insurance, EMS, rangers on the water, etc.,” she said. “All leftovers will be used to make next year bigger and better.”
Glenwood Springs resident Tanya Barnicoat isn’t sure where this trend started, but loved the idea and did a solo witch paddle in 2021. This year, she decided to organize a group event on Sept. 24 at Lake Dillon.
If you’re wondering what the point is, it’s simple: To get outside and have a few cackles along the way. “Our goal is to just get out there and have some fun,” she said.
To attend a witch paddle, all you need is a paddleboard, kayak or canoe, a life jacket and, of course, a costume. And if you have a paddle partner, such as a dog, cat or chicken, they’re welcome, too.
Cast your spell at these witch paddles in the fall. (All events are subject to change based on the weather.)
Lake Dillon – Sept. 24
- When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Giberson Bay, Frisco
- Other details: Parking is $8 at the Giberson Bay day-use area. Several members of the group are headed to Breckenridge Oktoberfest after the paddle. Find more information at facebook.com/events/587956302977940/.
Grand Junction – Oct. 22
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Grand Junction Adventures, 1695 Las Colonias Landing, Grand Junction
- Other details: Paddlers will put in at the Las Colonias boat ramp on the Colorado River and paddle to the Blue Heron boat ramp. This event is hosted by Grand Junction Adventures, which will have some shuttles running from the Blue Heron boat ramp back to Las Colonias park, but paddlers may also need to coordinate additional shuttle options. Find more information at facebook.com/events/1517489118721507/.
Chatfield State Park – Oct. 23
- When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Where: Chatfield State Park, 11500 Roxborough Park Road, Littleton
- Other details: If you don’t already have a state parks pass, there’s a $10 entry fee to the park plus you need a $30 ticket for the event. Chatfield has several parking lots near the marina. The group will launch in Roxborough Cove. More information at witchpaddle.com.
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