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), 6.8 (Ruth Patrick Memorial), or 14.4 miles (Rachel Carlson Memorial) or
2. If you are trying to register for the casual 9.8-mile recreational Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial paddle, this is NOT the registration website. Please register at Race Roster
3. There will be NO same-day registration at the Rivergate Park site. Please register early.
4. No Refunds - No Transfers - No Rollovers

You'll be navigating a curvy and protected 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. 

2022 results from our timing partner Run the Land Events (link)

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. The urban course allows for extended spectating(bring your bike!)and photo-ops as there are numerous bike trails and bridge overlooking the course.

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.

Blazing Paddles Paddlefest 2023 Stoke Vid:

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) - $40

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 by Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023.

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

See the Course!