Meet Anna Marie Madai of Witch Paddle LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Marie Madai.

Anna Marie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started with a paddleboard, a costume, and a Facebook event. In 2021, I co-hosted a spontaneous Halloween-themed paddle with a few friends who also loved the outdoors and any excuse to dress up. We figured maybe 10 people would show up. Instead, 80 witches paddled out onto the lake that day—and something sparked. The joy, the laughter, the sense of community—it was undeniable. That moment became the beginning of Witch Paddle LLC.

What began as a playful one-off event grew rapidly. By the following year, we had over 400 participants and realized we were creating something much bigger than we ever expected. Now, Witch Paddle is an annual festival held at Chatfield State Park in Colorado, bringing together vendors, food trucks, spectators, and hundreds of costumed paddleboarders each October. We prioritize safety, fun, and creating space for people to play, connect, and feel the magic of being part of something totally unique.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Like most passion projects that grow fast, Witch Paddle came with a learning curve I didn’t see coming. We went from a small gathering to a full-blown festival almost overnight, and suddenly I was navigating permits, insurance, safety protocols, and crowd management—all while trying to preserve the original spirit of fun and freedom that made people fall in love with it in the first place.

There were moments of doubt, especially when logistics got overwhelming or weather didn’t cooperate (this is Colorado, after all—October can bring sunshine or snow). The growth has been exciting, but it’s also forced me to grow as a business owner, an organizer, and a human being.

At the end of the day, every hiccup has taught me something valuable. And honestly, watching people show up year after year—smiling, laughing, paddling in full costume—makes every challenge feel worth it. I 100% wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t for the core group of people that show up every year. They definitely make the struggles worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Witch Paddle LLC?
Witch Paddle is a one-of-a-kind event that combines paddleboarding, Halloween costumes, and community magic into an unforgettable experience. Held every October at Chatfield State Park, it brings together hundreds of paddleboarders dressed as witches for a whimsical, laughter-filled ride across the water. Over the years, it’s grown into a full festival with food trucks, vendors, music, and an ever-expanding community of spectators and supporters.

What sets Witch Paddle apart is the vibe—pure joy, zero competition, and a deep sense of connection. It’s not just about paddleboarding or dressing up (though both are wildly fun); it’s about making space for people to play again. To let go, show up fully, and be a little weird in the best way possible.

We’re known for our creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to safety…but I also think we’re known for our awesome swag bags and merch. With over 1,400 feet of fencing, designated launch chutes, and clear communication protocols, we’ve built an event that feels both magical and organized. That’s something we’re really proud of.

We’re also passionate about giving back. Witch Paddle donates a portion of proceeds to organizations that support vulnerable children and fight exploitation. These causes are close to our hearts, and we believe joy and justice can—and should—exist side by side. We’re currently working toward becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to expand our charitable impact and create even more opportunities for the community to get involved.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: Witch Paddle is more than a photo op—it’s a feeling. And once you’ve experienced it, you’ll want to come back every year.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t about numbers—it’s about impact. It’s watching someone paddle out in costume for the first time, laughing like a kid again. It’s seeing a community come together around joy, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose. And it’s knowing that the work we do ripples out—whether that’s through the memories people make at Witch Paddle or the causes we’re able to support through our donations.

I define success as alignment. When what I create reflects my values—fun, connection, safety, and giving back—I know I’m on the right path. And when others feel seen, welcomed, or inspired by what we’re building, that’s the biggest win of all.

Pricing:

• Registration $50
• Hoodies $50
• T-Shirts $30

Contact Info:

• Website: https://witchpaddle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witchpaddle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/witchpaddle
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WitchPaddle

Image Credits
MacBean Photography