You might call it a testing of the waters (pun intended), of sorts. Wednesday morning's sunrise paddle, allowed folks to greet the day with glowing colors and prepare for Saturday's Paddlefest."It's also an opportunity to expose people to this gorgeous asset we have right in our own backyard,” said Brewster Rhoads, the Chair of the Ohio River Paddlefest.Now in its 20th year, Paddlefest is bigger than ever.“Looks like we have record registration and we’ve become the largest paddling event in the entire United States,” said Rhoads.Rhoads said the event was created two decades ago to expose teens to the great outdoors as part of Adventure Crew, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreation opportunities to city teens in 24 high schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. And now is a more crucial time for this than ever.“Something that is really important when we spend so much time, especially young people, on our digital media these days,” said Rhoads.It's also built a community. Julie Evans was up dark and early for Wednesday morning's paddle. She said she loves taking in the views from the water.“It’s just the beautiful scenery we have in this area, especially throughout Kentucky and Ohio,” said Evans.Evans said she races kayaks in the waterman series after falling in love with the watersport four years ago.“Being around some fun people, you know, it's getting out in nature and seeing fish and birds. And, you know, it's just your peace,” said Evans.The community is welcoming to those who might not have so much experience.It also provides a bit of an escape."I feel like I've had a mini vacation every time I go paddling, even for an hour here in Cincinnati, Ohio, or other rivers,” said Rhoads.New this year for Saturday’s paddle: the option of two distances. You can paddle the full 9-mile course or a shorter 4.5-mile course, with both routes starting at Schmidt Recreation Complex in the East End.There is also an Outdoors For All festival on Friday night at the Schmidt Recreation Complex that anyone can attend, not just the paddlers. There will be live music, local beer and food, gear sales and more!As for Saturday’s paddle, there’s no need to be an expert, anyone four and up – and dogs! – can take part.For more information, you can visit the Paddlefest website at https://www.ohioriverpaddlefest.org/
You might call it a testing of the waters (pun intended), of sorts. Wednesday morning's sunrise paddle, allowed folks to greet the day with glowing colors and prepare for Saturday's Paddlefest.
"It's also an opportunity to expose people to this gorgeous asset we have right in our own backyard,” said Brewster Rhoads, the Chair of the Ohio River Paddlefest.
Now in its 20th year, Paddlefest is bigger than ever.
“Looks like we have record registration and we’ve become the largest paddling event in the entire United States,” said Rhoads.
Rhoads said the event was created two decades ago to expose teens to the great outdoors as part of Adventure Crew, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreation opportunities to city teens in 24 high schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. And now is a more crucial time for this than ever.
“Something that is really important when we spend so much time, especially young people, on our digital media these days,” said Rhoads.
It's also built a community. Julie Evans was up dark and early for Wednesday morning's paddle. She said she loves taking in the views from the water.
“It’s just the beautiful scenery we have in this area, especially throughout Kentucky and Ohio,” said Evans.
Evans said she races kayaks in the waterman series after falling in love with the watersport four years ago.
“Being around some fun people, you know, it's getting out in nature and seeing fish and birds. And, you know, it's just your peace,” said Evans.
The community is welcoming to those who might not have so much experience.
It also provides a bit of an escape.
"I feel like I've had a mini vacation every time I go paddling, even for an hour here in Cincinnati, Ohio, or other rivers,” said Rhoads.
New this year for Saturday’s paddle: the option of two distances. You can paddle the full 9-mile course or a shorter 4.5-mile course, with both routes starting at Schmidt Recreation Complex in the East End.
There is also an Outdoors For All festival on Friday night at the Schmidt Recreation Complex that anyone can attend, not just the paddlers. There will be live music, local beer and food, gear sales and more!
As for Saturday’s paddle, there’s no need to be an expert, anyone four and up – and dogs! – can take part.
For more information, you can visit the Paddlefest website at https://www.ohioriverpaddlefest.org/
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