500 witches paddle in Morro Bay, to the delight of thousands of spectators

The ninth annual Morro Bay Witches Paddle on Saturday drew the event’s largest crowd ever.

Thousands of spectators lined piers, decks and the shore, cheering on an estimated 400 to 500 participants plying the waters of Morro Bay Harbor with kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards.

In spooky season tradition, paddlers launched from Coleman Beach and headed to Tidelands Park dressed up as witches or warlocks.

The Witches Paddle started in Morro Bay in 2013 with about 10 participants gathering to celebrate friends with birthdays on or around Halloween.

The event’s popularity has grown steadily every year since then.

There are now witch paddle events all over California and several other states. Witch paddle events are also held in Mexico, Canada, Abu Dhabi and England.

Each year in Morro Bay, Witches Paddle participants are asked to support a particular nonprofit organization.

This year’s recipient is the Friends of the Morro Bay Harbor Department, which raises funds for the Harbor Department for projects such as publishing tide books and refurbishing or purchasing harbor patrol vessels, safety equipment, lifeguard towers, beach wheelchairs and rescue sleds.

The Harbor Patrol provides assistance to boaters and responds to water emergencies, among a host of duties.

To donate directly to the Friends of the Morro Bay Harbor Department, visit friendsofthembhd.org and click the Donate button.

This story was originally published October 23, 2022 at 1:28 PM.