Want to make this Halloween unforgettable? Host a Fright Night on the Water SUP event, where paddlers don spooky costumes, decorate their boards, and enjoy creepy games on the water. Whether for friends or a community gathering, this unique event blends paddle boarding with Halloween fun. Here’s how to plan a spook-tacular SUP event that’s sure to be a scream!
Pick the Perfect Location
Choosing the right location sets the tone for your Halloween SUP event. The spot should be spooky, but also safe for paddling at night.
Go for Calm Waters
Pick a lake, pond, or slow-moving river for safe paddling. The focus is on fun, not navigating strong currents, especially when wearing costume!
Add a Spooky Vibe
Pick a lake, pond, or slow-moving river for safe paddling. The focus is on fun, not navigating strong currents, especially when wearing costumes!
Nighttime Safety Check
Scout your location in the dark to ensure safety. Look for hidden obstacles like rocks or branches that could surprise paddlers. It's important that everyone feels safe while still enjoying the spooky surroundings.
Deck Out Your SUP and Launch Area
What’s Halloween without decorations? Dress up your paddle boards and the event space for a full spooky transformation.
Glow-in-the-Dark Decorations
Wrap glow sticks or battery-powered lights around your paddle board for a ghostly glow. LED lights under the board give an eerie glow-in-the-water effect, making your SUP look like it's floating through haunted waters.
Spooky Props
Secure lightweight Halloween decorations to your board, like fake skeletons or floating ghosts. Just make sure they don’t throw off your balance—nobody wants to end up swimming with the ghouls!
Themed Launch Area
Don’t forget to decorate the shoreline! Use pumpkins, flickering lanterns, fake cobwebs, and maybe a fog machine to create an eerie, haunted atmosphere. The setting will get everyone into the Halloween spirit before they even hit the water.
Costumes: Paddle in Style
Halloween means costumes! But keep in mind that these should be paddle-friendly to avoid any mishaps.
Paddle-Friendly Costumes
Choose costumes that are easy to move in and won’t be too heavy when wet. Pirates, witches, and superheroes are perfect choices for a SUP event. Bulky costumes like inflatable dinosaurs are funny, but they might not be the best for balancing on a board.
Host a Costume Contest
Add some fun by hosting a costume contest! Create categories like Best Overall Costume, Funniest Costume, or Scariest Paddle Outfit. Offer small prizes like Halloween-themed paddling gear or candy to add a little competition.
Safety First
Costumes are great, but safety is key. Make sure participants wear life jackets, and remind them to avoid costumes that obstruct movement or vision. For nighttime paddling, encourage adding reflective materials to costumes for visibility.
Fun Games and Activities
Beyond paddling, make sure to have a few Halloween-themed activities lined up to keep the fun going.
Pumpkin Paddle Race
Give each team a floating pumpkin and have them paddle from one point to another without letting it fall into the water. The first team to finish with their pumpkin still on the board wins a prize!
Witch Hat Ring Toss
Set up floating witch hats and give participants glow-in-the-dark rings to toss. Whoever scores the most points by landing rings on the hats wins. It’s a simple game but a lot of fun—especially on the water.
Ghostly SUP Parade
End the event with a glowing paddle board parade. Ask participants to paddle in a spooky procession, showing off their glowing boards and costumes. Play some eerie Halloween music for an extra spooky touch!
Spooky Snacks and Drinks
All that paddling can work up an appetite! Make sure your guests are well-fed with Halloween-themed snacks and drinks.
Creepy Drinks
Serve up spooky drinks like “Vampire’s Punch” (cranberry juice or red fruit punch). You can even add dry ice for a bubbling, cauldron-like effect. For extra flair, serve drinks in skull-shaped cups or syringes.
Monster Munchies
Offer snacks like ghost-shaped cookies, pumpkin muffins, or “witches' fingers” made from pretzel sticks with almond “nails.” Simple but festive snacks will keep your paddlers energized.
Fright Night on the Water SUP event is a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween. With a spooky location, glowing boards, fun games, and costumes, it’s an exciting way to combine paddle boarding with holiday fun. Your guests will love the chance to dress up, paddle in the dark, and enjoy Halloween on the water.
So, gather your paddle boards, costumes, and spooky snacks, and get ready for a Halloween adventure like no other!