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On an unseasonably warm Oct. 1, a coven of witches took to the waters of Lake Nokomis to unite their powers and brew mystical potions. The group traded their brooms for paddleboards and air for water in search of companionship and joy and to mark the beginning of spooky season. 

The evening was organized by members of Twin Cities Paddle Club, and word spread through Facebook of the informal event.

When asked what it meant to gather during this spooky time of year, Christine Salomon of Minneapolis said, “I think it’s kind of perfect. I mean, there’s a moon, it’s a circle of women — strong women — all out here to enjoy each other’s presence and share in this wonderful experience.” 

Similarly, Lindsey Groth of Minneapolis shared that gathering women together strengthens the power of their coven, “especially in this age, politically.” She found the energy of the women as witches empowering. Echoing her friend, Jodie Flicek of Eden Prairie said, “In the political climate, the state our country is in, it’s just fun to come together.” 

Daphne Idelkope of St. Louis Park spoke of using the waters of the lake to brew a potion to make her children behave. Flicek stated hers would have the power to “make the government behave.” 

The group started at the north side of the lake and took to their paddleboards to journey to the Lake Nokomis Main Beach, where they gathered for a group picture and to socialize before turning with the winds back from whence they came.  

The Minneapolis event follows a national trend. "Witch paddles” have become increasingly popular throughout the country with gatherings in Colorado and California going viral on social media. The witch paddle in Colorado has been active since 2021. 

They had 80 people at their first gathering

, and it’s now grown to require registration and permitting. Their event on Oct. 18 at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colo., will include over 400 participants donning their witchy best. 

While the Twin Cities coven has not reached those numbers, there was a small group on Lake Harriet last October. The group also plans to take to the small seas on Oct. 10 before Halloween gets into full swing and their sorcery skills are in greater demand. 

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Anne Guttridge

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The group traded their brooms for paddleboards and air for water in search of companionship and joy and to mark the beginning of spooky season. 

A large group of women with black dresses and witch hats pose on a lakeshore.

Minneapolis witch coven takes to their paddleboards for spooky lake gathering

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