About us
Welcome to Ohio Paddlers. If you enjoy paddling rivers, creeks and lakes, this is the group for you! Keep in mind that paddling involves some inherent risk. Because of this, some paddles may not be appropriate for new or beginner paddlers. You must read and accept our release of liability prior to joining or attending any event. Now, let's go paddling!
For information on donations to help fund the group, scroll down to DONATIONS
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending any event acknowledges that you have read and agree to our accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that we are not your guides. We are fellow paddlers offering notice of a group of friends that are gathering to share in ride-share to enable a fun day on the water for all. We love you guys, but we love our families more.
LINKS
Our Web Address: http://www.ohiopaddlers.net
Join us on Facebook?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohiopaddlers
International Scale of River Difficulty
The classes below are the American version of the rating system used throughout the world. This system is not exact. Rivers do not always fit easily into one category and there may be regional interpretations.
Rapids are classified by American Whitewater(opens in a new tab) as:
Class I -- Easy -- Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Self-rescue is easy.
Class II -- Novice -- Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
Class III -- Intermediate -- Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges is often required. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can occur.
Class IV -- Advanced -- Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. There may be large, unavoidable waves, and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Rapids require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Self-rescue is difficult.
DONATIONS
Donations will be requested to make the group payment a couple times per year. A fair donation is roughly $10 per member per year. If that does not work, I will adjust it. Payments go out February and August. Donate using these 4 options
- Zelle to 214-909-7000
- Venmo George-Davis-17 (as a friend)
- PayPal @gdavis727
- Cash to me with a follow up email or text.
- Comments about donations....
If you donate money and your name is not on your PayPal or Venmo account , please add your name to the payment so I can identify the source.
I will report financial status periodically, at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me. Meetup has become too expensive for me to absorb. Annual fee right now is $384 paid out in two payments, 6 months apart. - Closing comments...This approach keeps the group functional. Your voluntary support is much appreciated.
- Feb 24, 2026 payment completed ($191.69)
- Current Balance in account: $204.
- Pending deposits: $10
- Second 2026 payment due on 8/24/26 - $191.69. ($384 total needed to fund 2026). 2026 is funded. Thanks all for your contributions to make this group work.
- For those that have not donated, please consider $10 per year. We survive because a precious few donote considerably more, as I have kept this a voluntary practice. Hope to see you on the water (SYOTW) this year.
Upcoming events
13
Try Mountain Biking with Five Rivers Metro Park @ MOMBA
Huffman/ MOMBA trails, 4485 Union Schoolhouse Rd, Dayton, OH, USFive River Metro Parks Event
Try Mountain Biking4:00pm - 7:00pm
AGE: All Ages | FreeWant to try mountain biking? Come out to the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) and borrow one of our bikes to ride for a lap or two. Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Helmets are required and are provided with the bikes. Weather Dependent.
Huffman MetroPark
4485 Union Rd., Dayton, OH, 45424Registration requested, walk-ins welcome
2 attendees
Brown County State Park - Hiking, Paddling, Mountain Biking
Brown County State Park, 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN, USThis is a paddling, car camping, hiking, biking and just chill out weekend.
We have been to Brown County State Park many times to camp, hike, and mountain bike. This is an absolutely stunning area. We want to extend our stay to explore this wonderful area. We have planned 5 nights of camping. Let's go get it!DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE - SAVE THE DATE!
If you are not a camping type, no problem, below are options where you may find a place to lay your head at the end of the day. Come for the day or come for the entire time. Just come and experience this great park with friends.
THE PADDLES
- Our paddle to Yellow Wood Lake- Includes a hike and a picnic.
(will be posted later) - Our paddle to Monroe Lake Includes cave exploration, geode hunting, and shore dinner with sunset. (will be posted later)
THE HIKES
- More than 18 miles of easy to rugged hiking trails meander through Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana.
THE MOUNTAIN BIKING & GRAVEL GRINDING
- Our Mountain Bike Ride Meetup event will be posted later.
- Experience the best mountain biking in the Midwest!
- Rentals are available at Q's Bikes or Brown County Bikes.
- There are nearly 30 miles of beginner to expert mountain biking trails, with 400 feet of elevation change. Trails (mostly singletrack) wind around hills, through ravines and across streams. A permit is required.
THE CAMPING
I have reserved Brown County State Park Rally Camp #2 for this event. The rally camp will accommodate up to 75 people. This site has plenty of room for tent camping and has afternoon sun. This site is primitive with no access to electric but does have water and vault toilets nearby. There are modern toilets and showers available in the main campground within walking/biking distance. You will not have the ability to drive into the main campground. If you have a travel trailer and wish to camp with the group at the rally camp, please message me for details.PETS
Well behaved and controlled pets are acceptable. However, please be aware that this is an outing where there may be others that do not enjoy the presence of your pet. Aggressive pets will be asked to leave.GRUB
Let's do a chili dump dinner Friday night. Please bring a quart of your favorite chili to dump into the pot and a dish to share. You are on your own for all other meals.ACCOMMODATIONS
Most of us are camping at the state park. If you prefer to reserve an electric site for your RV, You can make reservations through this link.For lodging at the State Park Lodge or Cabins you can make reservations through this link.
ADDITIONAL LINKS AND LOCAL FAVORITES
- Brown County State Park
- Brown County Indiana
- Hard Truth Distilling Company - Entertainment
- Hobnob Corner Restaurant - Great Breakfast
- Heavenly Biscuit - Yum
- OoeyGooey Cinnamon Rolls and Café - Awesome!
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending this event acknowledges that you have read and agree to my accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that I am not your guide. I am a fellow adventurer that is offering notice of a group of friends that are gathering to share in ride-share to enable a fun day on the trail, water or in camp for all. I love you guys, but I love my family more.CANCELLATION
This event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable river conditions. IMPORTANT: Check this MEETUP event page on Friday morning for last minute details and watch your email for additional updates.25 attendees- Our paddle to Yellow Wood Lake- Includes a hike and a picnic.
Downtown: Kayak, Hike, 80's Music, Dancing, Beer, Food & Fountains🎵🍺💃⛲
RiverScape MetroPark, 237 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH, USDowntown: Kayak, Hike, 80's Music, Dancing, Beer, Food & Fountains 🥾🛶🎵🍴🍺💃⛲
Let's spend an evening outside in downtown Dayton enjoying kayaking, hiking, listening to 80's music, dancing, food, beer and the fountains. Come any time. Stay as long as you wish. This event is cross-posted to multiple groups.
You are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for the band performance. Look for the Dayton Hikers on the left side of the pavilion as you face the stage and river.
SCHEDULE:
🔷 4:30 pm - Kayaking. Hourly kayak rental for $20/person on the Great Miami River. Watch the fountains gush water. Five fountains shoot water 200 feet high and 400 feet across at the confluence of the Great Miami and Mad Rivers.
Kayaking details and sign up: https://www.meetup.com/movingwater-flatwater-kayaking-camping-outdoor-watersports/events/316009929/
🔷 5:30 pm - Hiking. Three miles, moderate pace hike in downtown Dayton.
Hike details and sign up: https://www.meetup.com/movingwater-flatwater-kayaking-camping-outdoor-watersports/events/316010153/
🔷 7:00 pm - Music, Food, Beer, Dancing - 80s Rock Night with Retrobution. There is free live music, a food truck, and beer sales at RiverScape MetroPark. The band plays for two hours and ends at 9:00 pm. Leave when you wish. You are encouraged to bring your own chair or take your chances on a chair being available.
🔷 WHERE TO MEET: Meet at RiverScape under the big tent. Look for the Dayton Hikers group on the left side if you are facing the stage.
🅿️ PARKING TIPS:
▸ Allow ample time for parking and walking to the meeting spot!
▸ Many people underestimate the time it takes to park and walk to the meting locations.
▸ There is both on-street metered parking and pay parking lots.
▸ Dayton uses Passport Parking to pay at parking meters.
▸ To download the Passport Parking app or pay online visit: https://www.passportparking.com/
▸ Parking enforcement ends at 6:00 pm for parking meters.
▸ ⚾ Notice: There is a home Dragons baseball game this evening which will make parking more difficult.MORE INFORMATION:
Taiters Kayak Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/Taiterskayak
Downtown Fountains: https://www.metroparks.org/fountain-of-lights/
80s Rock Night with Retrobution: https://www.daytonlocal.com/music/retrobution-riverscape-summer-music-series/
Dayton Hikers FAQs: https://daytonhikers.com/faq/
The Legal Stuff: The event hosts are just fellow member volunteers, not your hiking guides or guru. By participating in this event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in hiking activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in a condition fit to participate. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and hiking rules during your participation on this hike. By participating in this event you agree to the Dayton Hikers legal waiver here: https://daytonhikers.com/waiver/
1 attendee- $20.00
Downtown: Kayaking Among The Fountains ($20) ⛲🛶
RiverScape MetroPark, 237 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH, USDowntown: Kayak, Hike, 80's Music, Dancing, Beer, Food & Fountains 🥾🛶🎵🍴🍺💃⛲
This event is for those who wish to kayak among the fountains during the 4:30 pm time slot. This event is cross-posted to multiple groups.
🔷 KAYAKING: Kayak on the Great Miami River and get in position for the fountains to gush at 4:55 pm. This event will finish in time for the 5:30 pm hike.
🔷 FOUNTAINS: Five fountains shoot water 200 feet high and 400 feet across at the confluence of the Great Miami and Mad Rivers. The water fountain display lasts ten minutes and is a sight to behold at water level.
🔷 KAYAK RENTAL FEE: $20/person for a one-hour rental. Payment is required in advance. Includes a kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Signed waiver required. Kayak rentals by Taiters Kayaks are exclusively for Dayton Hikers members this evening. Kayaks must be returned by 5:30 pm.
✨ HOW TO RESERVE A KAYAK ✨
1) Sign up for the event.
2) Make a $20 payment online.
Venmo: @Andy-Niekamp ~ 937-475-5417
Zelle: andyniekamp@gmail.com ~ 937-475-5417
Credit Card: https://square.link/u/nWfKQBDUNote: Any payment sent with a fee deducted will be returned.
3) Download, print, sign and bring this waiver with you: https://daytonhikers.com/kayak-waiver.pdf or fill out a waiver at the event.
4) You are all set.
People who sign up and don't make a payment will eventually be moved to the "not going" list.
🔷 REFUND POLICY. No refunds unless this event is canceled or scheduled.
🔷 GUEST POLICY. No guests or +1 permitted. Have your friend(s) join Dayton Hikers and sign up for this event themselves.
🔷 WHERE TO MEET: Meet on the bank of the Great Miami River under the Riverside Drive bridge, near RiverScape MetroPark. Look for the kayak trailer. Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/akmyo4op33xYXEVt9
🔷 PERSONAL BELONGINGS: You may leave personal items like chairs, day packs, change of footwear, etc. with Charlie at Taiters Kayaks for safe keeping while kayaking and hiking.
🔷 HIKE MEETING LOCATION: The meeting location for the urban hike is the area outside the restrooms at the concessions building / bike hub at RiverScape MetroPark. This is just up the river bank from the kayak place. https://maps.app.goo.gl/74Xk1iC7RAHtXLGc9
🅿️ PARKING TIPS:
▸ Allow ample time for parking and walking to the meeting spot!
▸ Many people underestimate the time it takes to park and walk to the meting locations.
▸ There is both on-street metered parking and pay parking lots.
▸ Dayton uses Passport Parking to pay at parking meters.
▸ To download the Passport Parking app or pay online visit: https://www.passportparking.com/
▸ Parking enforcement ends at 6:00 pm for parking meters.
▸ ⚾ Notice: There is a home Dragons baseball game this evening which will make parking more difficult.MORE INFORMATION:
Taiters Kayak Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/Taiterskayak
Downtown Fountains: https://www.metroparks.org/fountain-of-lights/
80s Rock Night with Retrobution: https://www.daytonlocal.com/music/retrobution-riverscape-summer-music-series/
Dayton Hikers FAQs: https://daytonhikers.com/faq/
The Legal Stuff: The event hosts are just fellow member volunteers, not your hiking guides or guru. By participating in this event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in hiking activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in a condition fit to participate. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and hiking rules during your participation on this hike. By participating in this event you agree to the Dayton Hikers legal waiver here: https://daytonhikers.com/waiver/
1 attendee
Past events
1484
