Try Paddling
Try Paddling sponsored by Kayak Coffee
Taiters Kayak Solutions is supporting Try Paddling on the lagoon. Stop by for education and an experience in a canoe, single or double kayak. Boats are available for all sizes and abilities.
Additional support from Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.
Paddling programs on the Lagoon are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria:
- Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
- Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
- Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
- Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket - Get in/out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft - Reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills and activities listed above, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
Whitewater Races and More
On-site registration 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Racer briefing 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Time Trial Race / Slalom 12 to 2 p.m.
Boatercross: Meeting at 3:30 p.m., race from 4 to 5 p.m.
Award Ceremony 7 p.m.
Racer briefing 10:30 a.m.
Downriver/Attainment 12 to 2 p.m.
Awards Ceremony 3 p.m.
First place – $100
Second Place – $50
Third place – $25
Fourth place – swag
Fifth place – swag
Canoemobile
Canoemobile will be onsite near the gateway entrance with nine person canoes.
Have your own boat?
You can plan a trip any time during the weekend. The river is always open (unless there is severe flooding, which is not likely in October). There are 62 miles of canoe- and kayak-friendly water from Bellefontaine to Eastwood MetroPark. Anglers will be excited to know brown trout are available from Bellefontaine to Springfield. Below the city of Springfield downstream to Downtown Dayton, smallmouth bass become more prevalent. The Mad River is a swift moving spring-fed stream that offers great water for beginners as well as a couple of rapid sections that will interest the advanced boater.
Changing Room
Paddler changing rooms are located near the Mad River Run.
Please visit our information or waiver tents to sign a Risk and Release waiver, or download and complete a waiver to bring to the festival. Those under 18 years old must have a parent/guardian sign the form.