Sunday morning brought a rainbow, gusts of wind and witches of all ages, who climbed and clambered onto paddle boards and other floating vessels rather than broomsticks to haunt Quartermaster Harbor.
Despite a particularly wet weekend, pockets of sunshine lit up the waterways at Jensen Point for the fourth annual Vashon Witches Paddle.
Each year, the event organizer selects two local organizations to support through the sale of cookies and other baked goods. This year, proceeds will benefit ORBIT, a youth program at Open Space for Arts & Community, and the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.
A crowd favorite was Matt Beursken, who wore an original costume featuring a rainbow-themed witch’s hat crafted from ribbons and a cape inspired by stained glass.
Participants across the U.S. have embraced the trend, with witches paddling to support local charities while bringing Halloween whimsy to the season.
Portland’s iconic Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Witches Paddle — which draws hundreds of costumed paddlers annually — shares a similar Halloween magic with Vashon’s own paddle.
A standout witch catches eyes with a vibrant, colorful mask, bringing an extra splash of magic and mystery to the Halloween paddle at Jensen Point. (Aspen Anderson photo)
Matt Beursken stands out on the water in a vibrant rainbow witch’s hat made of ribbons and a stained-glass-inspired cape. (Aspen Anderson photo)
This year’s paddle raised funds for two island charities. (Aspen Anderson photo)
Witches of all ages paddle through the cold waters at Jensen Point. (Aspen Anderson photo)
Paddlers decked in their best witch attire bring an annual Halloween tradition to life at Jensen Point, turning the waterway into a scene of spooky, floating fun. (Aspen Anderson photo)
A witch pauses on shore, her paddle in hand and hat tilted just right, before joining the Halloween paddle on the waters. (Aspen Anderson photo)
