Here’s a kayak, canoe and paddling event custom made for the nature loving paddler. Bring the kids and head on down to this fund-raising paddling event, have fun on the water and learn a thing or two about the great Ohio River!

Great Ohio River Paddle (GORP): Voyage of the Dammed II
Saturday, June 11 – Sunday, June 12, 2011
2 Day guided Paddle from Higginsport, OH to Neville, OH.
Registration limited.
Fees include food, accommodations, and more.
Proceeds support conservation and education programs of Ohio River Foundation.

According to their web site:
The Great Ohio River Paddle 2011 (GORP 2011) is a 2-day event to raise money to protect and improve the water quality in the watershed.

Great Ohio River Paddle is a unique paddling experience. This trip provides an unsurpassed opportunity to gain an understanding of the Ohio River system and develop a lifelong love of river travel via canoe or kayak.

Paddlers will stop each day at different sites. Along the way, naturalists, biologists, scientists, and local historians will share their knowledge and experiences. Many have intimate knowledge and up-to-date information about their areas of expertise. Come explore, learn, and have fun!

This year, on Sunday, we will lock through at the Meldahl Locks and Dam. Imagine being in a 30 million gallon bathtub the size of 6 football fields with the water slowly going out, lowering you and your boat at an imperceptible rate of 30 feet in 30 minutes. It’s quite unique and an experience you’ll long remember (and even want to renew again!).

You need not be an expert paddler, but we do require that people have experience on moving water, or have taken instruction with moving water. Normally, in June, Ohio River currents average less than 2 knots. The Ohio is a perfect river for a wide range of experience.

Participants only need to bring their own gear, personal items, and canoe or kayaking equipment. We provide the rest: meals, shuttle, on-river education, evening speakers, camaraderie, safety paddlers, camp fees, and much more! So, join us for the experience of a lifetime! Paddle it! Protect it! Paddle the Ohio!

For more information on this event or to find other paddling races, events, festivals, paddlefests, adventure races or triathlons, click here to go to our kayak, canoe & paddling races and events page.

Looking for paddling locations in your state?

Search our places to paddle page for places to kayak or canoe for flatwater or whitewater.  Kayaking and canoeing paddling locations are listed by U.S. State.

Do you have a paddling event, kayak race, canoe race you would like listed on our paddlingraces and events page? Please use our handy contact form to send us the details.

Dates for the 2009 Paddlefest on the Ohio River have been set: June 26 and 27

Paddlefest is a great paddling event for paddlers of all ages – whether you kayak or canoe – there is even a kid’s expo.  It is also a great way to get to know more about the Ohio River Way and all the work that is being done to promote it as a great place to spend time on the water and to protect it, keeping it clean and safe for generations to come.

Come to Cincinnati to enjoy two days of paddling, education, entertainment, competition and camaraderie.

Registration for the even begins in January 09, so mark your calendars!

For more information on the 2009 Ohio River Paddlefest, please visit the official website at www.OhioRiverWay.org

This just in from the organizers:

New for 2009:

• Expanded boat demo and on-water “Smart Start” classes at Lake Como during the day and early evening at Paddlefest on Friday, June 26.
• Inaugural Ohio River Dragon Boat races on Saturday, June 27 in front of the Serpentine Wall.
• Swim 2009 will take place again next year. In our inaugural year, over 70 participants swam the Ohio River!

If you have an event you’d like us to promote on BornToPaddle.com, please send it to us using our handy contact form: Click here to contact us!