Share the River’s founder, Jim Ridge, announces the 3rd Annual Blazing Paddles will return to Cleveland’s comeback Cuyahoga River on Saturday, July 24, 2021! Registration opens at 6 p.m. tonight! Visit http://sharetheriver.com/blazing-paddles for details and registration links.

Given how:

1) The nation is still experiencing a surge of interest in recreational paddling in response to the COVID pandemic.

2) The now 20 month-old Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) designated Cuyahoga River Water Trail is reaching maturity.

3) ODNR will be announcing the Lake Erie Water Trail designation on July 17 (to be announced at Cleveland Metroparks Whiskey Island Paddlefest.

4) The Cuyahoga River being voted the winner in USA Today's 10 Best "Best Urban Kayaking Spot in North America"

we expect a potential doubling of the participation we had at our 2019 Blazing Paddles that drew 250 canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to the Cuyahoga River.

This year we are providing a much bigger emphasis on the recreational paddling aspect of Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. We will still be giving racers the opportunity to race, but you’ve experienced, the vast majority of paddlers in this post-COVID era are simply looking for a fun time on the water. We will be providing a curated experience where paddlers can follow their route via Google maps and at various points of interest, they'll be able to learn more about the bridge/park/business/plant/history that they are floating in front of. We are also working with members of the Greater Cleveland Boating Association to provide hospitality islands along the river for your comfort.

Oh, and the 24th date is tied to the June 22, 1796 anniversary of Moses Cleaveland and his boat of surveyors landing at the confluence of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie to establish the capital of the Connecticut Western Reserve. Fun, fitness, and history - what's not to like?!

Your participation in Blazing Paddles will help further Share the River's 501(c)(3) efforts to promote and facilitate the safe and shared recreational use of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Also note a significant facet of Blazing Paddles is delivering on our commitment to diversity and inclusion by providing underserved populations the opportunity to safely recreate on the Cuyahoga River.

Registration is now open for the Blazing Paddles float! Click the Race Roster image.

Blazing Paddles Race registration on Paddle Guru will open on Saturday, June 19 around 4 p.m.

Blog