https://raceroster.com/events/2023/63027/blazing-paddles-paddlefest-2023

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!

https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/event-calendar/blazing-paddles-paddlefest-2022

Basically a one-man band cheering for a cleaner Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie at Share the River