Nearly full. Students, please apply as soon as possible.
For the fifth year, the Ohio River Way and River City Paddle Sports are partnering to provide an opportunity like no other that's open to the public: to join us in paddling 286 miles in 30-foot-long voyageur canoes. Our mission is three-fold:
- To stop in river towns and connect with leaders and community members to celebrate river-based recreation and to foster new collaborations.
To connect emerging student leaders to projects fostering vibrant communities and ecosystems along the Ohio River.
To raise public awareness for the beauty, history, and culture of the Ohio River.
Each night we'll camp in one of the river communities and dine at a local eatery or have a catered meal. Each morning we will meet before dawn ready to paddle some 25 miles for up to 12 hours, including stops at several river towns. All camping gear will be transported via a support
vehicle to the next stop-over location. We provide basic breakfasts,
lunches, and snacks.
The schedule is weather dependent. Sometimes fog, strong upstream winds, or thunderstorms can prevent or delay travel. All participants must be ready and willing to paddle in all elements when safe.
Paddlers can join for the full trip, or can come for half of the trip. We will consider requests to join for shorter stretches. We advise paddlers to arrive the night before planning to join us.
The full trip: May 5 - May 15
Ashland to Cincinnati: May 5 - May 9
Cincinnati to Louisville: May 10 - 15
For accepted students, we plan to offer full scholarships to participate.
If we have the availability for you to join, these are the fees:
- $1,100 for the full 11-day trip
- $600 to join for half
For the expedition, we provide gear transportation, your space in a voyageur canoe, use of a paddle and life-jacket, your meals (excluding alcohol), an Ohio River Way hat and long-sleeve shirt, and great memories!
Paddlers are responsible for bringing their own gear (i.e., clothes, raincoat, camping gear, tent/sleeping bag, waterproof bags, sunscreen, etc.) and good spirits.
Paddlers may optionally book their own accommodation instead of camping, but still must be at the river ready before dawn each day. Selected participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the start and finish locations, though we do encourage paddlers to carpool. Revenue above expenses will benefit the Ohio River Way, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. The Ohio River Way may waive fees for media, volunteers, community influencers, and other stakeholders in support of its mission.
