Canterbury SUP Halloween Social – Paddle from Dusk till Dark
Costumes on, lights glowing, boards in the water. Join JSup on Saturday 31st October for a spooky paddle up the River Stour from Miller's Arms into the heart of Canterbury — tunnel and all.
As the light fades over the River Stour and the mist starts to creep along the water, something stirs beneath the old bridges of Canterbury… a flotilla of ghouls, ghosts and glowing paddleboards.
This Halloween, JSup is hosting the Canterbury SUP Halloween Social, and the whole Kent paddling crew is invited to join the procession — from dusk till dark.
The Details
| When | Saturday 31st October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Meeting point | Miller's Arms pub, by the River Stour, Canterbury |
| Hosted by | JSup |
| Dress code | Costumes and lights — the spookier the better |
From Dusk… to Dark
We gather at the Miller's Arms as the sun goes down, then push off onto the black water of the Stour and paddle our way up into Canterbury town centre. Expect flickering pumpkins, skeletons at the paddle, witches balancing on their boards and the odd vampire who swears they've never fallen in.
And then there's the tunnel. Yes — we'll be paddling straight through it. Dark, echoing, and just a little bit eerie when it's lit only by a string of glowing boards and whatever creatures are floating alongside you. Stay close to the paddler in front… and try not to look back.
Costumes and Lights
This one is all about the glow. Dress up, light up and make your board part of the show:
- Fancy dress encouraged — skeletons, ghosts, zombies, witches, anything goes
- Bring lights for your board and yourself — LED strips, glow sticks, head torches, fairy lights
- Wrap up warm under the costume — it gets chilly on the water after dark
- Waterproof your lights where you can, just in case of an unplanned swim
Food and Hot Drinks at Miller's
The Miller's Arms will be open for food and hot drinks, so once the spirits have been laid to rest you can warm your bones by the river, swap stories from the tunnel and refuel before heading home.
A Haunting Tradition
Going by the last few years, we're hopeful for another one to remember. The evenings have been very mild, the turnout has been brilliant, and the river has come alive with costumes and lights from one end to the other. It's one of the best-looking nights of the year on the water — and one of the friendliest.
Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just fancy something a bit different this Halloween, come and join the spooky parade up the Stour with JSup.
Find out more and let them know you're coming on the Canterbury SUP Halloween Social Facebook event.
See you on the water… if you dare. 🎃🦇
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