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
12
South Bass Island Weekend
South Bass Island State Campground, 1523 Catawba Ave, Put-in-bay, OH, USThis will be a weekend of camping, sightseeing, dining, kayaking, campfires and whatever else you may want on beautiful South Bass Island!
This event is organized to bring us all together in this beautiful place.
Kayaking and other activities are on your own.
Can't make it the whole time, no problem.You must make arrangements for:
*Camping/Lodging (there is no group site)
- Camping:
*https://reserveohio.com/OhioCampWeb/ - Food
*Ferry to 9 talk about the unique conditions, expectations, skill levels and requirements of paddling in the waters of Lake Erie. This is a good chance to talk to your fellow paddlers that have experience paddling Lake Erie.
Useful Map for paddling
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:333b458d-12ce-4379-b603-a381ec3a3c25*\ *Phone service is limited on the island. Please plan on your phone not working. Internet is available at park office. I was able to pick up Canadian cell service international roaming in the campground.
Where is the best flat water paddling around South Bass Island?
Per Eric Slough, organizer for the long standing South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous (a couple of decades of experience):
You can spend a long morning or afternoon padding the bay of Put-Bay. The shore of Gibraltar Island in the bay is cool, where the OSU stone laboratory resides. It's all protected. If wind is out of the east or south the island protects you. If it's from the west you are mostly in the wind shadow of middle bass. You can paddle the breakwall by Perrys monument or around the north shore of the island in the right conditions. It would require shuttle if you don't paddle to town. There is a boat ramp you can launch from at the far end of the park in downtown.Other Useful Links
Miller Ferry schedule
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:f8e1d3fa-1e4f-493d-8994-4f7b27be7139Ferry leaves from Catawba Island at the end of OH-53 North. (Take exit 124 off of OH-2.
Ferry Dock address:
5174 East Water Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452Miller Ferry Passenger Discount Ticket for Ohiopaddler
Ohiopaddler Miller Ferry Passenger Discount Ticket (print a hard copy, present one per passenger when you purchase your Ferry Tickets.)https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d6732934-6805-460c-bab6-7d112ea798c6
Free Parking in town for cars.
I added a photo with the coordinates for free parking, if you choose to drive into town. It is centrally located.41.65176, -82.81704
Paddling Safety Information
Plan your paddle. In addition to the standard safety practices for an Ohio lake, You are required to have access to a VHF Marine Radio.
Be aware of the weather forecast, wind direction, and intensity. It has a major impact on expected waves where you are paddling.
Having access to a bilge pump is also a needed tool.
I am recommending you be trained and practiced at getting back into your kayak, or at least kayak with someone in the group that is.
A spray deck is also very useful for keeping water out in rougher water. You should be trained in a wet exit to use one proerly.
If you insist on paddling alone, communication tools and re-entry skills are just plain required. A paddle float helps with re-entry, if you are trained to use it with a sit in kayak.9 attendees- Camping:
Cowan Lake paddle
Cowan Lake, Sprague Road, Wilmington, OH, USHere's a local paddle for those who aren't going up to South Bass Island this weekend. We'll launch right next to the marina, which rents kayaks and canoes, so if you don't have your own boat you can rent one. It'll likely be past the peak Lotus bloom for this paddle, but hopefully there will still be plenty of flowers out. We'll meet at 9 am and plan to be on the water no later than 9:30 am. We'll paddle east across the lake to see the Lotus groves, Austin Island, and possibly paddle up the creek. Pace will be casual and total distance will be about 6 miles. Those who'd like to paddle further are welcome to do so. PFD's are required to be worn at all times while paddling.
Post paddle lunch will be the General Denver Hotel restaurant in downtown Wilmington.
Contact: I will share my phone closer to the time of the event.
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILIT 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 fun for all. I love you guys, but I love my family more.
CANCELLATION
The event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable conditions
8 attendees
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
Past events
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