Next Saturday, a mysterious coven will rise up at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. Floating atop the waves in their conical hats, these paddling mavens will thrash their oars and sweep past the breakers toward a churning sea.
This Halloween invasion, which has taken place since 2015, will not be deterred by fog or rain, but participants will abide by the Harbormaster’s code.
Trudie Ransome is the owner of the SUP Shack, located across from the Crow’s Nest in the harbor. A native of Brighton, England, Ransome conjured up the Sea Witch Paddle as an informal event in 2011.
This is her 14th year planning the event, which grew from one lone paddler into an officially recognized annual event in 2023 after more than 100 witches showed up, according to Ransome. “For the first few years it was just me, myself and I,” she says. “Then two years ago, the world and his wife, the witches and their covens descended on the harbor.”
In 2024, the witch paddle was cancelled due to an anchovy die-off, explains Blake Anderson, harbormaster since February 2020 and a regular in various capacities at the harbor for the past 16 years. “It had been going a few years as kind of a more informal event. We wanted to have more structure to it to ensure that the channel is safe,” he says.
Ever since Covid, the spectacle has drawn a growing audience. “In the past couple of years, it’s become a new phenomenon,” Ransome says. “The witches want to cackle.”
Safety First
Harbor Patrol staff will observe the event and enforce any potential conflicts between paddle boards and boats. “If you get a channel full of boats trying to move in and out of the channel, it’s helpful to have some structure to it where people are staying off to the side and off the main channel,” Anderson says. “We will be working to ensure that everything goes safe and smooth and make sure everyone has a good time.”
Anderson compares the harbor to a roadway, where the channel is like a main road. Just as bikes and pedestrians use the sides of the road, he recommends paddle boarders stay as far over to the right as possible and and go in a circular motion. A 70-foot charter boat does not have great maneuverability, he notes. “Leaving from Crow’s Nest, stay to the right. And once you get in the channel, stay to the right again … so larger vessels can transit,” Anderson advises.
Additionally, Anderson suggests that paddlers avoid the entrance, which can become a problem area if paddleboarders congregate there. “We don’t want people in the center of the channel near the entrance,” he says. If there are waves, a boat might need to pick up speed to get in or out safely, he explains.
Last of all, if you plan to go, Anderson recommends all paddlers consult advancing weather updates as autumn is known for strong winds. Gusty north winds are conducive to rougher seas, while offshore winds are blown from land toward the open ocean. “Some people may elect to go outside the harbor,” Anderson says. “If you do have an offshore wind event, definitely stay inside [the channel].”
Support the Seabright Community
Facing the economic impacts of the Murray Street bridge closure, the harbor community is ready to welcome spectators who come out to enjoy the event. “I think we have a good plan, and it’s going to be a good, organized event,” Anderson says.
Taking place 10am to noon on Oct. 25, the Sea Witch Paddle is limited to 75 witches. Cost to participate is $15 per person, including wrist band, launch fees, snacks and free parking for witches. For more information, visit supshack.com or call 831-464-7467. The SUP Shack is located at 2214 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz.
All proceeds, including launch fees from the paddle, go back into the harbor’s general fund. Although the harbor is a public facility, it does not receive regular tax revenue. Instead, nearly its entire budget is funded by user fees, slip rent, parking, visitor services and rent for its buildings.
The same day as the Sea Witch Paddle, the area comes alive for Haunted Harbor, a trick-or-treat procession just for kids. From 4 to 7pm at the southeast harbor, participating businesses—including Crow’s Nest Restaurant, El Palomar, SUP Shack, Johnny’s Harborside, Kayak Connection and Nexus Wealth Advisors—will welcome trick-or-treaters. Meet at 135 5th Ave., Santa Cruz. For more information, call 831-475-6161.
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