Please note there are no refunds, no transfers or rollovers.

Preliminary Event Schedule (this section will be continuously updated)

Sunday, September 15 Blazing Paddles check-In, boat/board drop-off at Rivergate Park. (1785 Merwin Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113) (get map)

1) PLEASE register BEFORE September 14, 2024, There is same day registration but you will be charged a $40 convenience fee.

2) At check-in you will receive your t-shirt, wrist-band, bib number, and your board/kayak will be numbered. If you have already checked in with us on June 21-22, please remember to bring your bib #.

3) On event day, your numbered wrist-band and vessel number must match in order for the board/kayak to be 1) moved to the river and 2) loaded onto a car after Blazing Paddles Paddlefest.

4) There is NO on-site parking at Merwin's Wharf until after they open at 11 a.m. so please plan accordingly. We will are sensitive to accessibility needs and Cleveland Metroparks will provide limited parking for our paddlers who need that accommodation. There will be a limited number of on-site parking spaces at Cleveland Rowing Foundation. Cleveland Rowing Foundation will charge $20/car and will retain 100% of the proceeds. To speed your Blazing Paddles Paddlefest check-in, a pre-sale option is now available via this CRF link.

There is plenty of free parking nearby Check out our Blazing Paddles Paddlefest parking blog post. 

7:00 am – 9:45 am Packet Pickup, check-in, registration and Paddle Craft Drop Off

9:45 am                    Deadline for rental kayak pick-up

10:00 am                  Mandatory Safety Meeting for all competitive participants (Launch Zone)

                                   Competitive participants can enter the Launch Zone Chute and begin to 

                                   enter the water at the conclusion of the safety meeting

10:30 am                  Competitive and recreational participants begin putting in on the river

                                  Blazing Paddles race divisions will depart in flights ahead of the recreation paddle (there will                                           NOT be a mass start).

10:45 am                  Competitive Wave # 1 – Start for high performance kayak, fast sea kayak, solo canoe (includes                                          outrigger), tandem kayak, and tandem canoe (includes OC-2)

10:50 am                  Start for SUP 14' and under, kayak, and sea kayak.

                                    Once the competitive waves have been released the recreational paddlers 

                                    can begin to line up. You must stay “River Right” at all times during

                                    your paddle. Imagine the river having an imaginary line down the center.

                                    Always stay to the right of that line.

11:00 am                    Launch of Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle

Note: All paddlers are required to have a PFD. All SUPs must wear a leash. Also, use sunscreen and bring WATER! Blazing Paddles Paddlefest is a rain or shine event and no-refunds will be given for an event cancelled by unsafe conditions..

SAFETY NOTICE

The U.S. Coast Guard will be maintaining a safety zone upriver from the Center Street Swing Bridge to Marathon Bend. Upriver paddlers should be mindful to stay right of center when approaching blind turns to minimize the chance of coming into contact with a downriver paddler.