Blazing Paddles is a paddlefest for standups, canoes, kayaks 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 environmental movement. You have two paddling options. 

1. Register here for one of the three race lengths (2, 5.4, or 13 miles) or
2. Register for the casual 8.6-mile recreational paddle at Race Roster
3. No Refunds - No Transfers - No Rollovers

You'll be navigating a curvy, urban course that flows past a unique mix of riverfront sites where bridges and iconic pyramids of sand and stone stand in contrast to paved paths and green-spaces. 

Results from our timing partner Run the Land Events (link)

MANY thanks to Ron Skinner for his pro-bono professional documentation of Blazing Paddles. Please consider purchasing a print from him by visiting his online portfolio.

The 5.4 mile scenic course with sweeping views of downtown Cleveland will take you under 10 bridges spanning the river before you reach the race’s turnaround point – THE location of the 1952 Cuyahoga River fire, the infamous image that’s often used as the poster child for environmental degradation. The 13-mile course's turnaround point will be within sight of the site of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire.

In addition to the 5.4-mile race and 13 mile race, Blazing Paddles offers a 2-mile race for casual paddleboarders, kayakers and canoeists. For clarity, racers are gonna race, but you've got the Cuyahoga River to yourself for five hours. Blazing Paddles is part of the Waterman Series.

Race/Paddle Lengths

Long Distance - 13 miles, Rachel Carson Memorial (High Performance Kayak (18'1"), Fast Sea Kayak (16'1" -18') - $65

Short Distance - 5.4 miles, Ruth Patrick Memorial (all classes) - $65

Recreational Distance - 2 miles, The Carl Stokes Memorial (all classes) - $35

Paddle Guru registration site is ONLY for the 2, 5.4 and 13-mile race distances. Registration for the 8.6 mile (up to) recreational paddle/float is via Race Roster) - $35

Awards will be given for 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 501(c)(3) motion to provide recreational opportunities for urban youth. Participants who register after June 17 will not be guaranteed a t-shirt at check-in so PLEASE register in advance! We will host a t-shirt pick-up the week of August 8 at Brick & Barrel Brewing.

Paddler instructions will be e-mailed Thursday afternoon, July 21, 2021.

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)

Rentals (all rentals must be reserved in advance, no same-day registration)

• Single Kayak - $30.00 (includes paddle & PFD)
• Double Kayak - $50.00 (includes paddles & PFDs_
• Paddleboard - $30.00 (includes paddle, leash, & PFD)

See the Course!