Come out for a spooktacular paddle adventure on Halloween weekend with River City Company and Outshine Adventures! Gather your coven and call all of your witch, warlock, and wizard friends for a ghoulish good time paddling down the Tennessee River.

The paddle event is open to kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards as we take over the Tennessee River dressed as witches, warlocks, and wizards. Paddlers are invited to bring their own paddle crafts for free and rental paddleboards and kayaks will be available for those who don't have their own for $35 from local outfitters. Thanks to Outshine Adventures, L2 Outside, Chattanooga Guided Adventures, and Rock Creek Adventures.

This year the event will be a down river 4 mile paddle from Rivermont Park to Coolidge Park. Participants will receive detailed instructions for drop off and pick up locations for our shuttle. The shuttle will leave Coolidge Park at 9:30am with anticipated launch at Rivermont Park at 10:00am.

We would love to see a big turnout and flood the river with witchy hats, brooms and wizard wands!

The Witch & Warlock Paddle is sponsored by Benwood Foundation, EPB, First Horizon Bank and produced by River City Company & Outshine Adventures.

FAQ:

Q: Do I need to have my own paddleboard or kayak equipment to participate?

A: No, there are several local outfitters that have paddleboard equipment available for use. You must register in advance.

Q: Can I participate with my own paddleboard equipment?

A: Absolutely! The more the merrier! This year it is free for those who are bringing their own equipment. All participants must register ahead of time to help us plan for the shuttle.

Q: Do I need to know how to paddleboard to participate?

A: Although helpful, prior paddleboard experience is not necessary to participate. We will provide instruction and equipment for first timers and have on water support from our partners.

Q: Do I need to know how to swim to participate?

A: No, you'll be required to wear a life jacket if you rent from a local outfitter throughout the duration of the paddle, which will keep you afloat in the event you fall off the board into the water.

Q: I know how to swim, do I have to wear a lifejacket during the tour?

A: Yes, due to insurance requirements of local outfitters, we require every participant to wear a lifejacket throughout the duration of this paddle. They can be worn under costumes.

Q: Is there an age or weight limit?

A: Yes, the maximum weight limit for SUP boards is 275 lbs and 300 lbs for kayaks. This adventure is most appropriate for ages 16+ with a participating adult, but we can accommodate youth as young as 10 years old.

Q: Where do we meet?

A: Participants will meet at the Blue Rhino in Coolidge Park to take the shuttle to Rivermont Park. Instructions will be sent to all participants prior to the event with drop off locations and times.

Q: How long is this paddle?

A: The trip from Rivermont Park to Coolidge Park will depend on current speeds and the level of paddle knowledge. For beginners, we anticipate the trip to take 2 - 3 hours.

Q: Where does the paddle start and stop?

A: We will launch from Rivermont Park to Coolidge Park

Q: What is the cost if I have and use my own equipment?

A: Those with their own equipment are welcome to participate for free. We do request you RVSP to help us plan for the event.

Q: What is your refund/cancellation policy?

A: Organizers will determine if the event can proceed the morning of October 21st. If organizers determine conditions are not safe for paddling on the river, all registrants will receive a full refund. No shows and cancellations less than 48 hours before the start of the event will not receive a refund.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: We love our furry friends, but this paddle event is not appropriate for them since we are offering a shuttle and due to the length of the paddle. Please leave them at home.

Q: Can I just show up and go out on the river without paying the fee?

A: Rivermont Park and Coolidge Park are public parks and free to put in your own paddle craft at anytime. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN A WAIVER. If you decide not to pay the registration fee and put in at Rivermont Park, you will not be considered as part of the event, receive any services or hold the organizers liable for your actions.