Witches Paddle 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Witches Paddle! We were able to raise $8,000 for the North Kingstown Food Pantry!

Calling all witches, goblins and ghouls! Come join us for a fun paddle around Wickford Harbor! We are also offering a Costume Contest with some great prizes! The Witches Paddle is open to all! Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal kayaks are all welcome! 

Date & Time

Sunday, October 20th from 12-2pm (Rain Date: Saturday, October 26th from 12-2pm)

• Our event and costume contest officially ends at 2pm, but feel free to stay out on the water as long as you would like. 

Launch Locations

We will only have one designated launch location this year -- the Public Access beach next to Gardner's Seafood Wharf. We will have a tent set up for costume contest check-in where you will receive your bib numbers. There is no need to check-in if you are not participating in the contest. 

If you are not participating in the costume contest, you may also launch from Wilson Park as there is more parking there, although the paddle will be a little bit longer. 

PLEASE DO NOT LAUNCH FROM PRIVATE DOCKS OR PRIVATE LAND.

Parking

You can park in the public lot next to Gardner's or along Main Street. Parking will be limited so we highly recommend carpooling or getting dropped off, if possible. 

Parking for Gardner's (PRIMARY LAUNCH): Public parking lot next to Gardner’s Wharf 

Parking for Wilson Park: There is plenty of parking directly at the Wilson Park kayak launch.

Day of the Event 

Bib Pick-Up and Registration Check-In: 10-11:30am (located between the parking lot and the launch site) 

Optional Photo Op: We will be taking photos at check-in of the witches and warlocks that dressed up for the event. The photos are completely optional. By allowing the Kayak Centre to snap a photo, you are allowing us the ability to use it on  future marketing materials. 

Launch Times: 10-11:45am  

• The paddling parade will be leaving the Gardner's launch area at 12pm and then paddling towards the town dock behind the village shops and parking lot, where the judges will be waiting. After the judges have scored you, you will then be able to fly away on your broomstick and stay out as long as you want. 
• Make sure you're on the water and at the Gardner's launch area by 12pm (noon)!
• For those launching from Wilson Park, it takes about 10-15 minutes to paddle to the Gardner's launch area.

Costume Contest

There will be 4 categories for the costume contest with some great prizes for the winner in each category. 

1. Best Witch
2. Best Warlock
3. Best Dressed Pet
4. Most Creative/Original

We will be giving out numbered race bibs at check-in for those that want to participate in the contest. The bib must be visibly pinned for the judges to see.

Safety Information

PFDs must be worn by all participants in order to be in accordance with Rhode Island law.

Please dress appropriately for the air and water temperature. We recommend neoprene/synthetic layers and neoprene booties since the temperatures are dropping. 

Registration

Registration is required! There is a $25 registration fee (All funds will be donated to the North Kingstown Food Pantry). 

Reserve Your Spot

Although registration is required for everyone, the costume contest is not mandatory and you can still dress up even if you don’t want to participate in the contest.

Registration is online only. We will not be accepting walk-ups for the costume contest. Virtual waivers must be signed upon arrival. 

Donations

If you don't want to participate in the event, but still want to donate, please use this link:

Witches Paddle Donations

Deadlines 

• Online Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 19th at 11:59PM
• Online Donation Deadline: Sunday, October 20th at 11:59pm

*Please note that each participant is required to have their own SUP or kayak. The Kayak Centre will not be supplying nor renting SUPs or kayaks for use.*