Share the River

Cleveland

Who is this for?

Share the River's audience is a diverse mix of outdoor enthusiasts, local stakeholders, and community members invested in the recreational and economic vitality of the city's waterfront. Our audience typically engages with content and events centered on: Waterfront Connectivity: Improvements to trails, parks, and public access points like the Cuyahoga River Water Trail. Urban Renewal: The transformation of the Cuyahoga River from an industrial "punch-line" to a top-rated national recreational destination. Industrial Heritage: The unique "theater" of watching massive freighters navigate the "Crooked River."

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Our Mission

We promote the social, recreational, and economic vibrancy of Cleveland's waterfront. Join us on July 18, 2026 for Blazing Paddles Riverfest!

Upcoming Events

Blazing Paddles Riverfest

Sat, Jul 18

Nautica Waterfront District, Cleveland OH

The 8th annual Blazing Paddles Riverfest is a public celebration of Cleveland’s scenic and historic Cuyahoga River. An America 250-Ohio event, Blazing Paddles Riverfest, reminds the nation how Ohio’s freshwater resources (:Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River and the Ohio River) coupled with the Ohio & Erie Canal fueled Cleveland’s and Ohio’s rise that helped a young nation grow to global prominence. Blazing Paddles also celebrates Cleveland’s 230th birthday. The 8th annual Blazing Paddles Riverfest is held at the Nautica Waterfront District. Participants have two paddling options on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River that won the USA Today 10Best “best urban kayaking spot” in the nation vote. Recreational paddlers can enjoy the Dave Vasarhelyi Memorial Recreational Paddle while racers can take on three different distances over a fun H2O race track. Non-paddlers can enjoy the Blazing Paddles Expo and hospitality from our hospitality partners Music Box Supper Club and Shooters Cleveland.

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At A Glance

Activities

Paddleboard Kayaking Environmental Advocacy And Stewardship Canoeing Volunteering

Programming Types

Casual meet-up style adventures Options Available for your group (school work family etc)

Difficulty Levels

Beginner Options Available

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Program Details

For Groups

In partnership with Trash Fish CLE we host group paddles for our "We Paddle the City" program. Participants will be instructed in basic paddling techniques. While on land and on the water, Eddie Olschansky/Trash Fish CLE will share his experience and insight on the problems of plastic in the Cuyahoga River watershed.

Participants will then be guided to help remove plastic from the edge of the Cuyahoga River.

Learn how citizen science, recreation, and environmental stewardship intersect on Cleveland’s urban waterways.

Location & Accessibility

Location Information

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jcvodK74eiKBXKfz9

Accessibility

During Blazing Paddles Riverfest registration, if you are renting a kayak you will be asked to provide your weight so our kayak livery partner can provide a kayak properly sized for you.

Paddlers needing enhanced accessibility options for put-in and take out will be best served by using the public put-in at Cleveland Metroparks Merwin's Wharf. Our put-in and take out at Great Lakes Watersports is not optimized for users with accessibility needs.

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