So the weather is turning and the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. But it’s ok, because Halloween is just around the corner! Whilst it’s now customary to hit up your local pumpkin patch and enjoy a Halloween film night, we’ve got some paddle-related activities for you to chuck yourself into this Halloween too. Including some spooky versions of popular paddling trails. Don the witches hats and broomsticks for paddles. Here are our 5 ways to enjoy paddling on Halloween!

5 ways to enjoy paddling this Halloween

1. Take on one of our spooky trails. Ever noticed on the Paddle Trails download page before, we have some pre-planned spooky trails ready for Halloween? These trails are spread across the country and tell the spooky goings on around each point on the map. Ideal for social paddles and club get togethers (COVID guidance permitting, of course!) the spooky trails take all the hassle out of planning so you can spend maximum amount of time on the water. With tales of haunted houses, mythical creatures and unruly poltergeists they’ll certainly help you paddle faster!
2. Discover and plan your own spooky trail. Of course we have our pre-planned spooky trails, but there’s nothing stopping you from planning a spooky paddle on your local route either. Why not look further into some local folk law and spooky goings on near your usual haunts and make it a paddle to remember?
3. Plan a fancy dress paddle. The classic, plan a fancy dress paddle. Remember not to wear something too heavy or floaty as you don’t want to cause a hazard… but face paints, werewolf gloves, your paddle turned into a broomstick… you know the sort of thing! Psst, don’t forget the weather at this time of year. If you’re not sure how to dress for cold weather paddling, take a look at our article.
4. Join or organise a night time/dusk paddle. Is there anything more spooky than going for a paddle at dusk or in the dark? Plenty of social groups are planning these now, so make sure you’re not going alone and go with an organised group where you can. There are plenty around to join in with. Check out your local centre or search the local Facebook paddling groups for events. Alternatively, you could go ALLLL out and get some proper board/boat lights to illuminate your craft as you paddle, and of course a head torch to see where you’re going.
5. Organise a virtual spooky quiz with your paddling pals. We know not everyone will be able to get on the water at this time of year, especially with COVID guidance differing across the countries and counties right now. So, why not organise a spooky get together with your normal paddling buddies to keep in touch? Use Zoom or Google Hangouts to get together virtually. Create your own spooky backgrounds and plan a halloween themed quiz and games night online instead. Of course, it’s not going to be like going for a spooky paddle together, but when needs must…!

Whatever you plan on doing this Halloween, make it one to remember. And don’t forget to let us know if you’re planning your own spooky soiree!

Check out our pre-planned spooky paddle trails…