Blazing Paddles Paddlefest
Registration for the recreational paddle is officially closed for 2023. We are sold out! Thanks for your support
The 5th Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is Ohio's 2nd largest paddlng event for kayaks, canoes, standups, and surf skis on the Cuyahoga River, a historic body of water that's risen like a Phoenix since the June 22, 1969 fire ignited the global environmental movement.
Blazing Paddles Paddlefest happens on Cleveland's 227th birthday (on July 22, 1796 Moses Cleaveland and his small party of surveyors landed at the confluence of the Cuyahoga River ("It is a favorable site for a city")). The comeback Cuyahoga River now serves as an economic driver for the region as developers follow the bike and pedestrian trails and parks spreading across the Cuyahoga River Valley, part of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.
On Friday, July 21, enjoy the Blazing Paddles Paddlefest "Pre-Paddle with food. live music and beverage at Rivergate Park.
The Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle & Float will take on a curvy, 9.8-mile urban waterfront journey that flows past a unique mix of riverfront sites where iconic pyramids of sand and stone stand in contrast to paved paths and green-spaces. 4 days before Blazing Paddles we will provide you with a digital guide that will allow you to explore and experience Cleveland's waterfront history and learn about current stakeholder operations. Choose one of three turnaround points to suit your needs!
You can also race Blazing Paddles (registration for 3.2, 6.8 & 14.2-mile races is on Paddle Guru) or by registering here, you can take your time to enjoy a fun, relaxed, self-guided 9.8 mile journey with your paddling friends on Cleveland's hard-working, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River.
If you don't own a kayak, you can rent a single or tandem (use the code BP2 for a $5 discount!) during the registration process!
There is NO same day registration. Register by July 15 to save $10! Registration closes on July 20 or when we reach our field cap of 700.
“When you participate in Blazing Paddles on Cleveland’s vibrant, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River, you’ll be a reminder of the positive catalytic effects recreational tourism has on local and regional economies.”
No Refunds - No Transfers - No Rollovers
Registration fees
Recreational Distance Closed
Online registration closed-
NOTE: This site is ONLY for the 9.8 mile (up to) recreational paddle/float. If you want to race in the 3.2, 6.8 or 14.2 mile races, please register at Paddle Guru! (https://paddleguru.com/races/BlazingPaddlesPaddlefest2023). For your entry fee you'll receive a cool Blazing Paddles tee, a decal, and you'll be contributing to Share the River's 501(c)(3) motion to promote and facilitate the safe and shared recreational use of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie and provide recreational opportunities for urban youth and historically marginalized communities. Participants who register after July 17 may not be guaranteed a t-shirt at check-in so PLEASE register in advance. Like right now! Want to be part of Blazing Paddles Paddlefest but don't have a kayak? You can rent a single or tandem from us! Paddler instructions will be e-mailed by Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023.
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$45.00Jan 12 – Jul 15
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$55.00Jul 15 – Jul 19
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Course Maps
Contact information
- Event contact
- Share the River
- sharetheriver3@gmail.com
- Phone
- 1 216-496-3763
- Website
- Visit website
