Welcome to Ohio River Paddlefest!

Bring your SUP, kayak, canoe, tandem, or prone and join Adventure Crew, The Explore Kentucky Initiative, and USA SUP, at the Ohio River Paddlefest.

Racers will be a part of the nation's largest paddling celebration, leading some 2,000 recreational paddlers down a closed course on the Ohio River, passing through downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Race entry includes all Ohio River Paddlefest perks, like free shuttles, and invitation to the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday, August 1. 

Paddlefest races are part of the Midwest Paddle League race series.

All proceeds from Paddlefest, including the races, support Adventure Crew and their work with 30 schools and hundreds of city teens, exposing them to regular outdoor recreation at no-cost to students.

Paddlefest races will follow the classifications outlined below for paddle craft with youth, men's, and women's divisions. 

Board

• Stand up paddleboard Inflatable
• Stand up paddleboard 12' 6" and under
• Stand up paddleboard 14' and under
• Stand up paddleboard Unlimited
• Stand up paddleboard Tandem
• Prone

• C1
• C2*
• OC1**
• OC2* **

• High Performance Kayak (18'1''+)
• Fast Sea Kayak (16'1'' - 18'')
• Sea Kayak (14' -16')
• Recreational Kayak (under 14')
• K2*

*both paddlers must complete registration

**in the event that there are not 3 registrants in the OC1 or OC2 categories they will be combined with the C1 and C2 classes, respectively.

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES 11:59 pm on July 30.

2024 race results --