Costume of The Living Dead Paddle

duration: 2hr
min_age: 1
max_age: 101
group_size: 50
description: Get ready to rise from the lake as the undead! Paddle of the Living Dead is a glow-in-the-dark costume paddle where zombies, witches, pirates, and creatures of the night cruise across Saluda Lake at sunset. Arrive in costume, light up your kayak or paddleboard, and float from 6–8 PM before joining us back onshore for judging, prizes, and post-paddle chills at the café. Categories include Best Overall, Spookiest, Best Duo/Group, and more. Rentals with light kits are available, or bring your own craft and gear. Space is limited — secure your spot before the lake comes alive.
what_is_included: ✅ What’s Included

Free admission to Paddle of the Living Dead (6–8 PM)

Entry into the costume contest with multiple prize categories

Access to the dockside photo station before launch

Guided group launch and safety support

Post-paddle costume judging and gathering at the café

???? Need a kayak or paddleboard?

Rentals are available for an additional cost and include a 2-hour rental and LED light kit.
what_is_not_included: ???? What’s Not Included

Kayak or paddleboard rental (available separately if needed)

LED light kit for BYO boats (required for safety; included only with rental packages)

Personal safety gear for BYO paddlers (PFD/life jacket must be worn)

Food, drinks, and specialty items from the café (available for purchase)

Towels, change of clothes, or additional costume accessories
itinerary: 5:30 PM – Check-In Opens
Arrive at Saluda Lake Landing, sign in, pick up rental gear (if applicable), and get your LED lights set up.

5:30–5:55 PM – Costume Photo & Prep Time
Strike a pose at the themed photo station and get your costume lake-ready.

6:00 PM – Group Launch & Paddle Begins
Hit the water for a guided twilight paddle as the “undead” rise across the lake.

6:00–7:45 PM – Open Paddle Time
Enjoy cruising the water, glowing under the evening sky, and checking out other costumes.

7:45 PM – Return to Dock
Head back in for judging and post-paddle hangout.

8:00 PM – Costume Contest Winners Announced
Prizes awarded for multiple categories at the café area. Guests are welcome to stay, relax, and grab food or drinks.
highlights: Experience Saluda Lake like never before as the sun sets and costumed paddlers light up the water in a one-of-a-kind, glow-in-the-dark paddle event. Whether you come as a zombie, witch, pirate, or mysterious undead creature, the lake becomes your eerie, floating runway.

Compete (or just spectate) in a playful costume contest with categories that celebrate creativity, spookiness, humor, and group spirit. Every paddle becomes a show, and every kayak has a chance to steal the spotlight.

Enjoy a fun, social night on the water surrounded by music, laughter, and glowing silhouettes drifting across the lake—all with safety support and a welcoming, community vibe.

After paddling, gather at the café dockside for judging, photos, and post-paddle chills, where the night lives on with food, drinks, and bragging rights for the winners.
check_in_details: ✅ Check-in Details

Please arrive by 5:30 PM to allow time for check-in, costume adjustments, and (if applicable) rental setup.

Check-in takes place at the Saluda Lake Landing main dock area.

All participants must sign a waiver before launching (online or on-site).

If you are renting a kayak or paddleboard, please arrive early to allow time for gear fitting and light installation.

BYO paddlers must bring their own lights or headlamps (required for safety).

The group launch begins promptly at 6:00 PM — late arrivals may be delayed launching and could miss group contest photos.
what_to_bring: ???? What to Bring

A costume that is lake-safe and allows full movement

Personal kayak or paddleboard (if not renting)

Required LED lights or headlamp for BYO craft

Coast Guard–approved life jacket (PFD) – required for all paddlers

Water bottle or hydration pack

Towel and/or dry change of clothes (optional but recommended)

Weather-appropriate layers or jacket

Waterproof phone case or dry bag (optional)

Secure footwear (if preferred over bare feet)

Pet life jacket and costume (if paddling with a dog)