FAQs

Paddlers MUST register in advance, whether you’re bringing your own board or renting one. Space is limited, so grab your spot early to avoid disappointment. Also, please note that the DEADLINE for paddle registration is 5pm Friday, October 10. We will not be able to accept any registrations after this date.

Anyone walking in the day of the event without registration will not be permitted to paddle and will be required to purchase a festival ticket.

YES! All participants MUST be able to swim.

Yes, unless you rent equipment from Rivertowns SUP & Yoga. 

Note that to join the on-water parade, all paddlers must have their own vessel (SUP or Kayak) paddle & leash (for SUP) and a life jacket PFD. We will not have any spare equipment available on the day, so please remember to bring everything you need.

Limited SUP rentals are available, and you must have taken a SUP class with Rivertown’s SUP & Yoga in order to reserve.

There are no kayak rentals.

The event is open to various levels but paddlers should have prior experience and be comfortable paddling on the Hudson River.

We have recommended paddle distances starting at the cove of the launch, along the park shoreline, and around the lighthouse - paddlers can stop to turn around at any point along the route and should ONLY paddle as far as they feel comfortable.

Yes, kayakers are more than welcome to join in on the spooky fun, but you must bring your own equipment as part of your registration. There are no kayaks available for rent.

Remember to bring your own PFD.

Yes! Costumes are a must for paddlers! Just make sure your outfit is safe and secure for paddling. Choose a costume you can comfortably paddle in and potentially swim in. Heavy cotton and other heavy fabric (such as velvet, wool, etc.) is not recommended.

There is a possibility your clothes may get wet - you will be in the water approximately knee deep when you launch.

It will be getting cold in October, so dress appropriately for the weather. We STRONGLY suggest neoprene and/or wetsuits then layering with quick-drying fabrics.

If you are wearing a witch’s hat, consider securing it with a strap.

We are not responsible for items that are lost in the water. Keep a towel and a change of clothes in your car (just in case).

We strongly recommend PFD’s (Personal Floatation Devices) are worn. Waist-pack and other inflatable PFD’s are permitted if you bring your own and have previous paddle experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE — PFDs are required by law:

• 12 and under are required to wear their life jacket at all times.

• Adults and children over 12 are required to have them on their paddle board at all times.

Water shoes are optional and can be stored under straps if you decide to take them off once you are on the board. For colder October temps, neoprene socks or booties are recommended.

Yes, yes they do! This is why we recommend wearing items you can potentially swim in.

Remember: fabrics such as velvet, wool, and cotton become very heavy when wet. We recommend quick drying fabric so leave the long velvet cape at home … or save it for AFTER the paddle!

Bring a towel and change of clothes (just in case).

Maybe — children can join you on your vessel if

• You have paddled together before and feel comfortable paddling on the Hudson River.

• You do not exceed the recommended weight limit for the vessel.

• Your child brings & wears a life jacket - children ages 12 and under are REQUIRED by law to wear a USCG Life Jacket all times out on the water.

• You are responsible for yourself and your child while paddling.

Dogs are permitted if

• both YOU and YOUR PUP have experience paddling on the Hudson River.

• Your pup must wear a personal flotation device (PFD).

• You are responsible for the safety of your pet and yourself on the water.

Yes! Be sure to secure any items you add to your vessel. We are not responsible for items lost and do not want to have debris floating in the Hudson.

Paddlers launch from a private beach at the north end of the park.

The festival takes place at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow, NY.

ADDRESS: 266 Palmer Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

We’re not afraid of a little mist — it adds to the mood! But in the case of severe inclement weather, we’ll reschedule to the following weekend, Sunday, October 19.

Yes. The registration fee helps cover safety support, use of a private launch site, rentals (if needed), portalets, and the magical extras that make the festival so special — like extra toilet paper!

Parking inside the park will be limited to staff, vendors, paddlers and volunteers.

The Kingsland Point Park parking lot will be closed to the public for this event. Gates will close to ALL traffic at 11:30AM.

We definitely recommend arriving early!

In the event of adverse weather and/or water conditions, Rivertowns SUP & Yoga will be cancel the paddle and notify all registrants. There will be a rain date available for extreme weather conditions.

48-hr cancellation policy — you must cancel your reservation at least 48-hrs in advance to receive a refund*.

*Please note: credit card processing fees are nonrefundable.