Paddlefest expects to see 1,800 on the Ohio River this weekend

The Ohio River Paddlefest returns to Cincinnati for the 23rd year this weekend.

The river event started in 2001 with founder Brewster Rhoads and some of his friends.

“(We) thought, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if we could invite all the people we know who love canoeing and kayaking to jump in the Ohio River at an event that we could potentially put on if we thought about it?’ said Rhoads. “We decided, ‘Hey, let’s try it. Let’s start the Ohio River Paddlefest.’ “

Two hundred and fifty people participated in the first paddle.

“It grew and grew and grew every year,” Rhoads said.

On Saturday, about 1,800 paddlers will launch canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from the Schmidt Recreation Complex in the East End. Participants will paddle either a four-and-a-half-mile route to Public Landing, Downtown, or a nine-mile route to the Gilday Recreation Center on the west side.

Paddle party claims being the largest paddling celebration in the United States Rhoads said the event has wanted official recognition.

“We’ve always thought, ‘Gee, we’re kind of a big operation,'” Rhoads said. “Maybe we should apply to be a Guinness World Records event and officially put a stamp on it and confirm that we are the biggest. Turns out it costs a lot of money to get them to certify your event.”

Rhoads says an incident in New Jersey holds the title for the largest parade of canoes and kayaks. It was about 1,100 paddlers. Paddlefest expects close to 2,000 participants this weekend.

While people are paddling, the Ohio River is closed to motorized traffic.

“We have applied for a river closure so people can enjoy the river without barges and recreational boats,” Rhoads said.

The Ohio River Paddlefest is supported and organized by Adventure Crew, a local nonprofit that expands teen access to the outdoors by offering free monthly experiences.

“To be on a hike, to be on a bike ride, to kayak, to climb, to ski with 40, or 50, or 60 other young people that you meet from several different schools throughout the region, who go on an excursion the same day, it helps build connections and confidence,” said Rhoads.

Rhoads said he hopes having outdoor experiences like Adventure Crew or Paddlefest inspires participants to care more about the natural environment.

“When you’re out on the river for two and a half, three hours of paddling – and especially if you think it’s a rewarding experience – you love the beauty and the natural feel of it. You might see an eagle fly over your head, which happens almost every year during Paddlefest. When you get off the river at the end, people always say, ‘I had no idea Ohio was so beautiful. What can I do to protect it?’ Rhoads said.

This weekend’s event

Friday, August 2

The Outdoors for All Expo will take place from 4:00pm-9:30pm at the Schmidt Recreation Complex. The event is free and open to the public. The celebration of outdoor living is a Paddlefest pre-party that will feature exhibitors, boating opportunities, live music and food trucks. There will also be a sale of used gear.

Saturday, August 3

The paddling starts at 07.00 with boats that are launched from Schmidt’s leisure facility. Race participants start first and recreational participants follow. Paddlers will travel either four and a half miles to Public Landing, Downtown, or nine miles to the Gilday Recreation Center on the west side.