Registration for the Blazing Paddles Riverfest Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle and Blazing Paddles races is officially OPEN! Please register early.
Our location at the Nautica Waterfront District, Music Box Supper Club is serving as the hospitality partner for our annual paddling celebration of Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River, providing free live Reggae music and Caribbean-inspired cuisine at their riverside location on Saturday (7/18/26). We will host the Riverfront Expo and early paddler check-in on Friday evening (7/17/26).
The 8th Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is Ohio's 2nd largest paddling 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.
On Saturday July 18, 2026 after your paddle, enjoy the Blazing Paddles Paddlefest Riverfront Expo with food, beverage and live Reggae music at Music Box Supper Club and other Flats West Bank hospitality partners
Your registration will get you:
Collectible keepsake Blazing Paddles t-shirt (please register early as we have sold out our last two years)
Blazing Paddles sticker
Free morning coffee and a grab & go breakfast snack bar
Post paddle snack bar with your favorite munchies
$5 Music Box Food & Beverage voucher
a free beer (detail to be provided)
Click on the video below to see the fun our paddlers had in 2023!
The Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle & Float will take on a curvy, 6 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
Recreational Distance - up to 10 miles, - $45
Register here to enjoy a fun, relaxed, self-guided 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!
You can also enjoy three different race lengths during Blazing Paddles Paddlefest.
Race Lengths
Recreational Distance - 3.7 miles, The Carl Stokes Memorial (all classes) - $45
Medium Distance - 6 miles, Ruth Patrick Memorial (all classes) - $55
Long Distance - 12 miles, Rachel Carson Memorial (High Performance Kayak (18'1"), Fast Sea Kayak (16'1" -18') - $55
NOTE: Early bird pricing runs through Saturday, April 16, 2026.
Our famous photo award and a hat (trucker or light booney, your choice) hat will be given to the top three finishers in each category. Race categories are per the Waterman Series classifications.
For your entry you'll receive a cool Blazing Paddles tee, and you'll be contributing to Share the River's mission on behalf of Cleveland's waterfront while providing recreational opportunities for historically disadvantaged audiences.
All ages are welcome however paddlers under the age of 15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Paddler instructions will be emailed by Wednesday afternoon, July 15, 2026.
Race Categories
- SUP 14' & Under
- High-Performance Kayak (18'1")
- Fast Sea Kayak (16'1" -18')
- Sea Kayak (14'-16')
- Kayak (Under 14)
- Solo Canoe (Includes Outrigger)
- Tandem Kayak
- Tandem Canoe (Includes OC-2)
Pre-registration closes on July 15, 2026.
There is no same-day registration.
“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
We are a rain or shine event.
Blazing Paddles Riverfest is a non-refundable event.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Rachel Carson Memorial Fast Sea Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
Early bird
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Rachel Carson Memorial Fast Sea Kayak$62.48
Standard pricing
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Rachel Carson Memorial High Performance Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
Early Bird
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Rachel Carson Memorial High Performance Kayak$62.48Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial SUP 14' & Under
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
Early Bird
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial SUP 14' & Under$62.48
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial Kayak (Under 14')
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial Kayak (Under 14')$62.48
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial Solo Canoe (Includes Outrigger)
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial Solo Canoe (Includes Outrigger)$62.48
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Carl Stokes Memorial Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Carl Stokes Memorial Kayak$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Carl Stokes Memorial SUP 14' (Open)
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Carl Stokes Memorial SUP 14' (Open)$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Carl Stokes Memorial SUP 12'-6" and under (Open)
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Carl Stokes Memorial SUP 12'-6" and under (Open)$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Carl Stokes Memorial Sea Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Carl Stokes Memorial Sea Kayak$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle (perfect for non-racers)
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
For recreational paddlers looking to enjoy a relaxed paddle on the Cuyahoga River. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle (perfect for non-racers)$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial Tandem Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial Tandem Kayak$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial Tandem Canoe
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$45.99
Early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial Tandem Canoe$51.49
Standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial Sea Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
early bird
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial Sea Kayak$62.48
standard
Now registering Apr 18 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial High Performance Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab and go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial High Performance Kayak$62.48
regular
Now registering Apr 19 – Jul 15
-
Ruth Patrick Memorial Fast Sea Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Ruth Patrick Memorial Fast Sea Kayak$62.48
regular
Now registering Apr 19 – Jul 15
-
Rachel Carson Memorial Solo Canoe (Includes Outrigger)
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Rachel Carson Memorial Solo Canoe (Includes Outrigger)$62.48
regular
Now registering Apr 19 – Jul 15
-
Rachel Carson Memorial Tandem Canoe and OC2
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Rachel Carson Memorial Tandem Canoe and OC2$62.48
standard
Now registering Apr 19 – Jul 15
-
Rachel Carson Memorial Tandem Kayak
Registration closes in 2 months 14 days-
Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, pre-race morning coffee and grab & go breakfast snack bar, post-race snack bar with your favorite munchies, a free beer and a $5 Music Box Supper Club food & beverage voucher. Our photo awards will be given to the top three finishers in each race category per The Waterman Series guidelines. Each podium winner will also be awarded a trucker cap or Ultralight Booney hat.
-
$56.99
early
Apr 9 – Apr 18 -
Register for Rachel Carson Memorial Tandem Kayak$62.48
standard
Now registering Apr 19 – Jul 15
-
Contact information
- Event contact
- Share the River
- Phone
- 1 216-496-3763
- Website
- Visit website
