Last year, my wife and I organized a group of paddlers in Alameda to join in a growing worldwide Halloween tradition: Witches on the Water. We had a blast parading through the Ballena marina and down Alameda beach in our pointy hats and black robes, as onlookers pointed and waved.
This year, we gathering the witches again, along with our friends from the Ohana Paddle Club and Mike’s Paddle in Alameda, on Sunday October 31, 2021, Halloween! If you are joining us, the pointier the hat the better. We will meet on the water at Crab Cove at 9:30 am. You can get your start at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach or from Mike’s Paddle. Our paddle plan will depend on the wind, but we expect to paddle down the beach towards Bay Farm Island for about ½ hour and then return. This will give the people on the beach something fun to watch!
Here are more details if you plan to join us.
If your plan to rent gear
If you don’t have your own board and would like to rent, I suggest that you call Mike’s Paddle in Alameda in advance to reserve your equipment. They have a good selection of boards, paddles, and PFDs for you to use but don’t delay and get your reservations in!
If you have your own gear
If you have your own gear, you can launch at one of three places:
Mike’s Paddle - parking is free and there are bathrooms here as well. Mike’s Paddle does charge a $10 fee to launch your own board from the dock. They have a hose to rinse your board at the end of your paddle.
Crown Beach - Crown Beach may be the best option if you are bringing your own gear. The dock at Mike’s can be very busy on a Sunday Morning. Crown Beach charges $5 for parking, when the kiosk is attended. It is a short paddle to Crab Cove where we are meeting.
Encinal Beach - parking and launching from this location is free. However, you will have a little further to paddle to meet us at Crab Cove. There are also bathrooms and a water station here.
What to wear
Nothing says “witch” like a pointy hat and black robe, but we welcome more creative interpretations as well! Check the weather forecast before you set out in the morning. Last year it was warm enough to wear shorts under our robes. If it’s foggy, chilly or windy, you may want to layer up. We recommend lightweight neoprene or wool for best performance in case you get wet. Don’t forget to put on some sunscreen (or green face paint?) and bring a waterproof phone case so you can take photos.
Disclaimer
This event is open to the public. Ohana Club members may participate in the event but it is not an exclusive Ohana Paddle Club Event. All paddle boarders are welcome and responsible for their own safety.
