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 (3.75 (Carl Stokes Memorial), 6.1 (Ruth Patrick Memorial), or 12.2 miles (Rachel Carlson Memorial) 
2. If you are trying to register for the casual 6.1 or 12.2 mile Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial recreational paddle, this is NOT the registration website. Please register at Race Roster
3.  Please register early.
4. No Refunds - No Transfers - No Rollovers. Event organizers expressly reserve the right to cancel for emergency purposes and, furthermore, If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for event day.

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 and steelmaking behemoths stand in contrast to paved paths and green-spaces. 

There will be a limited number of on-site parking spaces for Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. Cleveland Rowing Foundation is charging $20/car and will retain 100% of the proceeds. A pre-sale option is now available. (link)

2024 results from our timing partner Run the Land Events (link)

The 6.1-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 6.1-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 Documentary Vid:

Blazing Paddles Paddlefest 2023 Stoke Vid:

Race/Paddle Lengths

Long Distance - 12.2 miles, Rachel Carson Memorial (High Performance Kayak (18'1"), Fast Sea Kayak (16'1" -18') - $65

Short Distance - 6.1 miles, Ruth Patrick Memorial (all classes) - $65

Recreational Distance - 3.75 miles, The Carl Stokes Memorial (all classes) - $45

Paddle Guru registration site is ONLY for the 3.75, 6.1 and 12.2-mile race distances. Registration for the 6.1/12.2 mile (up to) recreational paddle/float is via Race Roster) - $55

Pre-registration closes on September 14, 2024.

Same day registration will be subject to a $40.00 convenience fee. All proceeds will go to support our "We Paddle the City" program.

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 historically disadvantaged audiences.  

Paddler instructions will be e-mailed by Wednesday afternoon, September 11, 2024.

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 - $55.00 (includes paddle & PFD)
• Double Kayak - $85.00 (includes paddles & PFDs

See the Course!