2025 Halloween Witches Paddle Sponsored by the Pillar Point Harbor District

Sponsored by the San Mateo County Harbor District at Pillar Point Harbor.

*Wear your witch or warlock outfit (or if that’s not your thing, any Halloween costume) and join us for a Witch Paddle, but be safe! Choose a costume that you can paddle in and even swim in if necessary – don’t wear anything that will drag you under and down or that limits your ability to move. Wearing a PFD is still encouraged even over your costume.

*Arrive by 9 AM (and allow time for traffic and set up – it is pumpkin season!). We fly….er….FLOAT at 10 AM!

*The paddle will be within the harbor breakwaters (there are two – an inner and outer breakwater). Beginners can stay within the inside breakwater, others can go further and paddle within the outer breakwater. The group will NOT be going out into open ocean. Only advanced and experienced paddlers can venture out of the breakwaters and into open ocean and do so on their own and at their own risk.

*Water within the breakwater is typically protected, calm and flat unless there are really high winds or poor weather in which case, the event may be canceled. *There’s lots to see, especially in the outer breakwater – harbor seals, sealions, lots of different seabirds, possibly jellyfish and jumping salmon (just a reminder, per federal regulations, please keep 50 yards or 150 ft distance from the seals on the float).

LOCATION INFO:

*Find the paddle location by inputting 2 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 into your navigation app as your destination and park in the parking lot nearby. This is the address for Half Moon Bay Kayak, but they ARE NOT associated with or sponsoring this event. This event is sponsored by The Pillar Point Harbor District.

*Launch will be at the public beach next to Half Moon Bay Kayak
*Parking is free
*Public restrooms are nearby
*Lots of great restaurants close by for eating before or afterwards

WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMERS:

*There is a heavy harbor patrol presence (and Coast Guard to a lesser extent) so make sure that if you aren’t wearing your PFD, you at least have your PFD on board in order to avoid getting a ticket. Per Coast Guard regs, anyone under the age of 13 is required to wear a PFD.

*The buddy system is encouraged for safety so bring a friend or make a new one at the event.

*Event may be canceled for bad weather or high winds.

*There is an inherent risk of personal injury while paddling. The organizer assumes no responsibility for your safety while you are with the group. This is an informal event for like-minded people to get together and share a passion for paddling. Everyone acts as a safety paddler and will respond to help a fellow paddler in distress to the level they are able. You are responsible for your own safety and by voluntarily participating in this event, you fully agree with these statements and release any and all organizers from any claims or legal liability.