What we’re about
Who We Are
Central Park Paddlers and Rowers are water enthusiast who share a a dream for an iconic waterfront park, and paddling and rowing competition space on the ship channel dredge landfill above the Burke Airport. It would be Cleveland's version of the world renowned Central Park in New York City, but entirely different being alongside beautiful blue water and set with a great view of the Cleveland skyline. It would be the center of Cleveland's incredible Emerald Necklace of parks. Hence the name. There currently is no beach or launching dock in this area, but it is a place we regularly paddle and row to. We paddle with a little extra purpose and row for a little extra reason, for more accessible green space along the lake.
The Cleveland Metroparks Wendy Park, Cleveland is our home base with it's excellent launching beach and ample parking. We welcome all types of paddlers and rowers on watercraft capable of handling Lake Erie water conditions during calmer conditions. Most outings take place inside the Cleveland Lakefront Breakwall where conditions are more favorable than on the Great Lake Erie which can be ocean-like. We raft-up (gather together and hold eachother's boats for stability) during longer paddles where there is no landing to relax, have water and a snack. Common destinations are to the calmer waters of the aspiring Central Park area, the North Coast Harbor where you can actually paddle (not row as its a narrow passage) under the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, up the Cuyahoga River for a combo platter of urban land and waterscape and frequent massive freighters, Edgewater Park Beach, and about one mile further west to Glass Beach, known mysteriously as a place of ample sea glass. Glass Beach is a nice picnic paddle. Crib Crawls to the blue waters at the orange water intake 4+ miles out on the Lake is our adventurous outing and a welcome challenge for many members who like big water.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), comfortable Coast Guard approved vest or belt type are required for all paddlers and rowers on all outings. Sleeveless (Farmer Jane/John type) wetsuits are required for Spring and Fall Paddling. Rowers must have a windbreaker in a dry bag to put on after recovery from a capsize, except in the summer. Our paddles are in groups. A portable VHF marine radio is required with a minimum of one for every three people along with the knowledge of how to use it for on-water communication.
While individual flat water self-rescue skills after capsize are required we always do a double assist on open rougher water. This is when one person (primary assistor) holds the capsized boat and helps with re-entry while a second (secondary assistor) person holds the primary assistor's boat for much greater stability. This mainly applies to sit-in boats like sea kayaks. Regardless of boat-type we all always assist a capsized or distressed member.
All events are common adventures and not for profit (unless hosted specifically by a business, institution, or outfitter following a different liability model). CPPR, its organizers, and its members assume no legal and or civil responsibility for or to any individual or event.
This is a private group. To apply for membership, please complete your profile by uploading a close-up identifiable photo of yourself — not your child, pet or avatar; only you (without your kids, friends, or puppy) — and answering a few simple profile questions. This tells organizers a bit about your preferences and experience level, which helps us choose activities and venues that you're likely to enjoy. It also helps us recognize you when you attend your first event and helps other group members get to know you.
We Encourage Safe Paddling
We suggest that everyone paddle in a pod of three or more for safety reasons. The Pop-Up Paddle forum makes it possible for experienced intermediate and advanced paddlers to announce a paddle and find others to join the outing. The social nature of the group allows members to share safety tips and skills in a non-structured friendly format. We also try to send information to the group about safe kayaking tips and American Canoe Association/United States Rowing Association training. Occasionally we might have an event just to share and practice (but the group is not a certified kayak training school, vendor, etc). Safety is your responsibility!
How We Set Up Events
CPPR is a member-driven group. Paddlers are welcome to suggest an outing. When two other members decide to attend a suggested paddle, making the minimum three person paddle pod, the suggestion moves to the calendar and is announced to the group as an event. (Some events are moved to the calendar by one of the CPPR organizers with less than three people on the RSVP list.) Once it is on the calendar it is no longer a suggestion, but an event and it gets announced to the group by e-mail. Whenever you visit the CPPR Meetup page, you should check the SUGGESTED events page to see if there is a suggested event that you might want to attend.
*************************************************
So we know that you know that you are responsible for yourself when participating in a CPPR event, please read the Meet-up DISCLAIMER and ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By becoming a member of the Central Park Paddlers and Rowers Meetup and/or participating in any CPPR event and per the Electronic Records and Signatures in Commerce Act, Public Law 106-229 (or any other applicable law), by joining this group, you are deemed to have read, understood, and agreed with the terms of both the DISCLAIMER and the ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY whether you read them or not.
