Get ready for one of the country’s biggest paddlesports celebrations. The 16th annual Ohio River Paddlefest is set commence this year August 3-4, in Cincinnati, Ohio. In years past, over 2,000 kayakers, canoers, and SUPers have gathered on the Ohio River to participate in one of the nation’s largest paddling events.
The festival kicks off on Friday the 3rd with Paddler’s Party for a Cause, an opening event with live music, food trucks, and craft beer. At this time, participants can also register for the event and drop their boats off.
Come 7 am Saturday, participants will embark on the 9-mile course down the Ohio River, one of only times that paddlers can enjoy the waterway without the usual worry of power boats and barge traffic. At the end of the course, paddlers can join the Finish Line Festival for live music, food trucks, vendor/exhibitioners, and yes, more craft beer.
The festival also includes a number of other races, including a 4.2-mile and a 9-mile kayak/canoe race; 4.2-mile recreation SUP race; 9-mile elite SUP race. These races are hosted by Kentucky Waterman Series and Stand Up Paddle Cincinnati.
Shuttle buses and boat pick ups will be provided throughout the day of the Paddlefest. Camping spots near the put-in and Paddler’s Party venue are available on Friday, by reservation.
Info: www.ohioriverpaddlefest.com
–Tim Braun
