Blazing Paddles Paddlefest
If you've landed here from NPR's story on the Cuyahoga River, click on the below photo to visit Share the River's website.
Thank you for an amazing later summer afternoon on the Cuyahoga River at Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. Photos & video blog post.
Registration for the Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle is officially OPEN! Please register early. We have one put-in and take out sites at Rivergate Park/Cleveland Metroparks Merwin's Wharf.
The 6th 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 sparked the global environmental movement and clean water protections.
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 Sunday, September 15, 2024 after your paddle, enjoy the Blazing Paddles Paddlefest "After-Paddle Expo presented by Bedrock" with food, beverage and music at Cleveland Metroparks Merwin's Wharf.
Click on the video below to see the fun our paddlers had last year!
The Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle & Float will take on a curvy, 6.1/12.2 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 greenspaces. 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!
Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle & Float course
You can also race Blazing Paddles (registration for our 3.75, 6.1 & 12.2-mile races is ONLY on Paddle Guru, not on this Race Roster site) Register here to enjoy a fun, relaxed, self-guided 6.1 or 12.2 mile (2 laps) 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!
PLEASE NOTE there is no on-site parking for paddlers at Rivergate Park/Cleveland Metroparks’ Merwin’s Wharf so please plan accordingly. We will are sensitive to accessibility needs and we will provide limited parking for our paddlers who need that accommodation.
There will be a limited number of on-site parking spaces for Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. Cleveland Rowing Foundation is charging $20/car and will retain 100% of the proceeds. A pre-sale option is now available.
https://e.givesmart.com/events/D0p/
Pre-registration closes on September 14, 2024.
Same day registration will be subject to a $40.00 convenience fee. All proceeds will go to support our "We Paddle the City" program.
“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 clean water and recreational tourism have on local and regional economies.”
No Refunds - No Transfers - No Rollovers
Event organizers expressly reserve the right to cancel for emergency purposes and, furthermore, If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for event day.
Registration fees
Recreational Distance Closed
Online registration closed-
NOTE: This site is ONLY for the 6.1/12.2 mile (up to) recreational paddle/float. If you want to race in the 3.1, 6.1 or 12.2 mile races, please register at PaddleGuru! (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 non-profit 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 June 16 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 evening, September 11, 2024
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$55.00
standard pricing
Aug 26 – Jun 2 -
$55.00
standard
Jun 2 – Sep 15
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Course Maps
Contact information
- Event contact
- Share the River
- sharetheriver3@gmail.com
- Phone
- 1 216-496-3763
- Website
- Visit website
