Blazing Paddles is a paddlefest for kayaks, canoes, surfskis and paddleboards on the Cuyahoga River, a hard-working, historic & scenic 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 on this site for one of the three race lengths (3.2 (Carl Stokes memorial), 6.6 (Ruth Patrick Memorial), or 14.4 miles (Rachel Carlson Memorial) or
2. Register for the casual 9.8-mile recreational Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial paddle at Race Roster
3. No Refunds - No Transfers - No Rollovers
4. Register TODAY to beat the July 1 price jump!

(7.20.22 7:30 a.m. ADVISORY): Registration for our races will remain open while we close registration for our recreational paddle. To improve our Friday & Saturday check-in throughput, there will be NO same day registration for our races! Please, no exceptions. If you'd like to race with us, register now. Like right now...

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. 

2021 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 6.8-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 14,4-mile course's turnaround point is the site of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire.

In addition to the 6.8-mile race and 14.4-mile race, Blazing Paddles offers a 3.2-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 and the Midwest Paddle League.

Stoke video for Blazing Paddles 2022:

Race/Paddle Lengths

Long Distance - 14.4 miles, Rachel Carson Memorial (High Performance Kayak (18'1"), Fast Sea Kayak (16'1" -18') - $65

Short Distance - 6.8 miles, Ruth Patrick Memorial (all classes) - $65

Recreational Distance - 3.2 miles, The Carl Stokes Memorial (all classes) - $35

Paddle Guru registration site is ONLY for the 3.2, 6.8 and 14.2-mile race distances. Registration for the 9.8 mile (up to) recreational paddle/float is via Race Roster) - $35

Our famous photo award and a hat (trucker or light booney, your choice) hat will be given to 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!

Paddler instructions will be e-mailed Wednesday afternoon, July 20, 2022.

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!