2013 Paddlefest Races

LOCATION: START: Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45228.  FINISH: Public Landing, 435 East Mehring Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

COURSE: All  Races start at Coney Island, on the Ohio River. The canoe and kayak race (11 mile course) starts at the Coney Island boat ramp and goes up river ¼ mile and turns clockwise around a green buoy.  Then down the Ohio River to the Little Miami River with a 1 mile leg up and back on the Little Miami.  The course continues down the Ohio River to the finish line on the Ohio side at the public landing in downtown Cincinnati. The SUP race (5 mile course) also starts at the Coney boat ramp, but is all downriver ending at Schmidt Field on the Ohio side of the river.  SUP racers then take their time paddling the final 3 miles to the Cincinnati Public Landing to enjoy the Paddlefest Finish Line Festival.  Medals will be awarded to the first three finishers in each class. The river opens to barge traffic at 12 pm. Transportation is provided back to Coney Island and your car from 10:00am -3pm.

REGISTER: Register online or download a Racer Registration Form and mail to the address listed on form with payment before deadline.  There is no race day registration. 

RULES: All racers must have a Coast Guard Approved PFD for each person on or in the craft during the entire race and this must be easily accessible; Also, one whistle per craft is required.  The race director may require that PFD’s be worn during the entire race. All non-swimming competitors must wear a PFD during the entire race. All paddlers under 15 years of age must wear a PFD during the entire race.  All competitors who quit the race for any reason before the finish line must report to the race director at the finish line as soon as possible.

Paddles: Any number of single blade paddles of any material and size may be used in the canoe or SUP. A competitor may use only one paddle at a time. Any number of double bladed paddles may be used in the kayak class or unlimited K1 class. Only hand powered craft are legal for the canoe, kayak and SUP races.

TIME: The SUP race will begin at 7:15 am with other canoe and kayak classes to follow.  Actual starts by classes will be posted the morning of the race. 

RACER START SCHEDULE (start times are subject to change)

6:45 am – PRE- EVENT MEETING FOR ALL RACERS

7:15 am – SUP Men & Women

7:20 am – C2 Rec Men/Women /Mixed, K1 Rec Men/Women, K2 Sea Kayak Men/Women/Mixed

7:25 am – C1 Pro Man/Woman, C2 Pro Men/Women/Mixed, C2 Cruiser Men/Women/Mixed

7:30 am – K1 Unlimited Man/Woman, K1 Sea Kayak Man/Woman, K2 ICF Men/Women/Mixed

PADDLEFEST CANOE/KAYAK/SUP RACE CLASSES

CANOE – 11 Mile Race

C-1 Pro – (USCA C-1 rules) – Man/Woman

C-2 Pro (3×27, no ICF canoes) – Men/Women/Mixed

C-2 Cruiser (no 3×27; no ICF canoes) – Men/Women/Mixed

C-2 Recreational (canoe length < 18) – Men/Women/Mixed

KAYAK – 11 Mile Race

K-1 Unlimited (K1, ICF, surf ski) – Man/Woman

K-1 Rec (kayaks <=14 feet in length) – Man/Woman

K-1 Sea Kayak (Kayaks <=18 feet in length) – Man/Woman

K-2 ICF Kayak – Men/Women/Mixed

K-2 Sea Kayak – Men/Women/Mixed

Stand Up Paddle Board – 5 Mile Race 

SUP-Man/Woman

AWARDS:  Top 3 finishers in all classes receive a Paddlefest medal or trophy.  The awards ceremony will take place at 11:15 am in front of the band tent at the Finish Line Festival on top of the Serpentine wall. 

For more information, please contact Race Director, Doug King at doug.king@fuse.net or call Doug at 513-576-1175.