FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Witch Paddle? Start here.
Witch Paddle is a rain, snow, or shine Halloween paddleboarding event at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colorado. Registration is required for anyone participating on the water. Spectators are welcome and do not need to register.
If you do not see your question answered below, please contact us before event day.
Registration
Is registration required, or can I just show up on the day of the event?
Registration is required for every person participating on the water, including children riding on another participant’s board.
Spectators do not need to register and are welcome to come watch from shore.
Are there any registration deadlines?
Registration will close when the event reaches capacity or when online registration closes, whichever comes first.
Witch Paddle has limited space, and registration may sell out before event day. If you plan to participate on the water, we recommend registering early.
Can I transfer, cancel, or defer my registration?
Witch Paddle does not offer full refunds.
Because suppliers, permits, insurance, materials, and event expenses are paid as registrations come in, we cannot guarantee refunds once you register.
Depending on the timing and options available through RunSignup, you may be able to transfer your registration to another participant for a fee, receive a partial refund through the transfer process, or defer/bank your registration for the following year for a $5 fee.
All transfers and deferrals must be completed through the registration system before the posted deadline.
What if my payment or registration did not go through?
Please check your email for a confirmation from RunSignup. If you do not receive one, log back into RunSignup to confirm your registration status.
If you still need help, contact us at info@witchpaddle.com before event day so we have time to look into it.
Safety
Do I need paddleboarding experience?
Yes, paddleboarding or kayaking experience is strongly recommended.
Witch Paddle takes place in October in Colorado, which means weather and water conditions can change quickly. This event is not recommended as your very first time on a paddleboard.
Are life jackets required?
Yes. Every participant on the water must have a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.
Please also bring a whistle and any other safety equipment required for your watercraft.
Can I bring my child on my board?
Yes, children may ride on a participant’s board if they are registered, have a properly fitting life jacket, and are able to safely follow instructions.
The adult participant is fully responsible for the child’s safety, comfort, and participation on the water.
Are pets allowed?
Pets must follow Chatfield State Park rules and Witch Paddle event instructions.
Pets are not allowed in all event areas, including the swim beach, registration area, vendor area, and costume contest area. If you plan to bring a pet, please review park rules and event instructions carefully before arriving.
How do you know who is on and off the water?
Registered participants must check in before entering the event area and must follow all entry and exit instructions.
If ankle tags, wristbands, or other participant identifiers are used, they must be worn as instructed so event staff and volunteers can track water participation.
2026: QR code wristbands will be used to check participants in and participants will be required to check out this year as well.
Where can I read the full safety guidelines?
Please review the Safety page before event day. It includes information about weather, layering, personal flotation devices, whistles, and what to expect on the water.
Watercraft, Rentals & Gear
What types of watercraft are allowed?
Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are welcome.
Your watercraft must be safe, lake-appropriate, and something you are comfortable using in changing weather conditions.
Do you provide paddleboards or rentals?
Participants are responsible for bringing or renting their own equipment.
If rental information or partner recommendations are available for the current year, they will be shared by email and on the website. (we do have a rental partner – info will be updated as everything becomes finalized)
Can I decorate my board?
Yes. Board decorating is encouraged.
Decorations must be secure and should not create a safety issue, fall into the water, block your vision, interfere with paddling, or affect your ability to safely get on and off your board.
Vendors, Sponsors & Volunteers
Can I be a vendor?
Yes, vendor applications are available through the Vendor page.
Vendor space is limited, and applications are reviewed before approval.
Can my business sponsor Witch Paddle?
Yes. Witch Paddle offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses that want to support the event, reach a highly engaged local audience, and give back through Sacred Sisterhood Collective.
Visit the Sponsor page to download the sponsorship packet or sign up.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with check-in, setup, vendor support, participant flow, costume contests, cleanup, and general event support.
Volunteer training is mandatory and will take place the weekend before the event. Date and details are TBD.
Event Details
When and where is Witch Paddle?
Witch Paddle 2026 will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Chatfield State Park Swim Beach in Littleton, Colorado.
Map Coordinates:
39.542930, -105.084752
What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving early. Check-in opens at 7:00 AM, and the group launch is scheduled for 9:00 AM.
Please give yourself plenty of time to park, check in, unload your gear, get dressed, decorate your board, and be ready at the beach before launch.
What should I bring?
Please bring your own paddleboard, kayak, or approved watercraft, paddle, life jacket/PFD, whistle, leash if appropriate for your board, warm layers, dry clothes, towel, water, snacks, and anything you need to safely participate.
Costumes and board decorations are encouraged, but they should not interfere with your ability to paddle, balance, see, hear, swim, or respond to instructions.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes. Spectators are welcome to come watch from shore, enjoy the costumes, visit vendors, take photos, and cheer on the paddlers…and participate in the costume contests!
Spectators do not need to register unless they are participating on the water.
Do I need a State Park Pass?
Chatfield State Park entry requirements apply to all vehicles entering the park.
Please plan ahead for park entry fees, passes, or any event-specific instructions sent before event day.
Weather, Cancellations & Refunds
What happens if the weather is bad?
Witch Paddle is a rain, snow, or shine event.
Colorado fall weather can include sun, cold, wind, rain, snow, or changing conditions. Please dress accordingly and make the safest decision for your own skill level, comfort, and equipment.
Would Witch Paddle ever be cancelled?
The event would only be canceled, delayed, or modified in the case of emergency conditions, official park requirements, law enforcement direction, unsafe access to the event site, or circumstances outside of our control.
If any changes are required, we will communicate updates to registered participants as soon as possible.
Do you offer refunds if the weather is bad?
No full refunds are guaranteed due to weather.
Witch Paddle is planned as a rain, snow, or shine event, and event expenses are paid throughout the year as registrations come in.
Costumes & Contests
Are costumes required?
Costumes are not required, but they are strongly encouraged.
Most participants dress in witchy, magical, Halloween-inspired, or creative costumes.
Is there a costume contest?
Yes. Witch Paddle typically includes costume contest categories such as magical, creative, spooky, group/pair, and crowd favorite.
Final categories, judging details, and contest timing will be announced before or during the event.
Is there a watercraft decorating contest?
Yes. Watercraft decorating is part of the fun.
Watercrafts must be decorated safely and should be checked in or ready by the posted contest time on event day.
Giving Back
Who does Witch Paddle support?
Beginning in 2026, Witch Paddle is hosted in support of Sacred Sisterhood Collective Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Proceeds and donations help support child-safety partners, family-wellness initiatives, and the launch of Sacred Sisterhood Collective’s first local programs for women, children, and families.
Can I make a donation?
Yes. Donations can be made through the registration process or through donation links on the website.
Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Travel & Accommodations
Is camping available at Chatfield State Park?
Chatfield State Park has a campground, but availability, reservations, pricing, and rules are managed by the park. I
f you plan to camp, please book directly through Chatfield State Park or the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system.
Are there nearby hotels?
Yes, there are hotels in the Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, and southwest Denver areas.
Witch Paddle does not currently have an official hotel block. Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodations.
Still Have Questions?
If your question is not answered here, please contact us before event day.