The fifth annual Humboldt Bay Witches Paddle on Oct. 19 attracted a record number of witches to Humboldt Bay on stand-up paddleboards, in kayaks and even on an e-hydrofoil board for a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon on the water. Celebrating the power, wisdom and beauty of women, the coven of witches met at the Eureka public boat launch near the Wharfinger Building for an out-and-back paddle east to the Samoa Bridge.
The Water Witches of Humboldt cheered on the participants and performed their unique bewitching dance moves again this year at the put-in location and at the F Street Dock.
Why witches on stand-up paddleboards? “The symbolism of the witches is both beautiful and representative of the struggles women face,” said event organizer Jody Himango.
“I was originally inspired to organize this Humboldt Bay witches paddle by the witches paddle in Morro Bay,” said Himango. “The pandemic was the major impetus for me to finally make it happen here after talking about it for years. I started this for me and a few of my friends and obviously it has grown since then. I was expecting a good turnout yesterday due to the excellent weather, but that was impressive. I think it demonstrates the need for women to have spaces to gather to support one another.”
Himango now plans to hold the event every third Saturday in October in perpetuity, with starting times and locations dependent largely upon the tides. For more about the Water Witches of Humboldt, see their Facebook group.
Mark Larson (he/him) is a retired Cal Poly Humboldt journalism professor and active freelance photographer who likes to walk.
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