Witches Paddle 2026: Costume Kayak Party in Redondo Beach Harbor

On October 17th, 2026, Redondo Beach comes alive for the Witches Paddle, a playful morning of costumes, kayaks, and saltwater sun. This event departs from the South Basin by Project Barley and Pedal Boat Rentals, where renters check in starting about 9:15 a.m. before a 10:00 a.m. launch. The format is simple and social: don your witch gear, secure a provided life vest, and paddle a leisurely loop through King Harbor's protected waters for two hours before returning for an after-party at Cantina Restaurant. The setting is compact but character-rich. The harbor basin is ringed by the concrete breakwater, the low cliffs of Palos Verdes framing the horizon and, on clear days, Catalina Island sitting like a low neighbor off the bay. Look for long fronds of giant kelp below the surface, flotillas of harbor boats, and the occasional sea lion or brown pelican working the water. The event route favors calm water - ideal for swimmers who want a quick dip and for paddlers practicing balance in costumed attire. What makes the Witches Paddle special is its combination of accessibility and local color. It's an entry-level paddle with a festival spirit: families, first-time renters, and seasoned paddlers mingle while painted faces and witch hats bob across the basin. The organizers require all renters know how to swim and carry a life vest; rentals and vests are provided. Those practical constraints keep the celebration light and safe, while the after-party at Cantina Restaurant gives the morning a civic feel - Redondo's harbor businesses get to share the spotlight. For visitors, the paddle is also an efficient way to read the local coastline. You'll see the low-lying commercial docks, the Fisherman's Village storefronts from a new angle, and the textured surface of the bay where wind shadows form behind pilings. Birdlife here is robust during migration, and the kelp beds support a surprising variety of marine life - both educational and photogenic. Expect a relaxed pace and a strong social scene rather than a high-adrenaline workout. Bring your own witches gear, swimwear, and a waterproof layer for the return. Whether you come for the costumes or the community, this morning paddle is a bright, buoyant piece of Redondo Beach's seasonal calendar - an easy, memorable way to experience Southern California's coastal culture from the water. Plan to arrive to secure parking near the harbor for costume adjustments; boarding begins around 9:15-9:45 a.m. and the paddle runs 10:00-12:00. The organizers emphasize basic swim competence and bring-your-own-costume policy; life vests are issued at check-in. Families with older children, costumed friend groups, and visitors seeking a social sea outing will find this a low-barrier, high-fun morning. If weather or swell rises, organizers may alter the route for safety.