Paddling events
June 30: Five Rivers MetroParks Try Paddlesports, noon-4 p.m., Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton. Equipment provided; free.
July 8: Wednesday Nite Paddle with Whitewater Warehouse, 5-9 p.m. Shuttles leave Whitewater Warehouse, 104 Valley St., Dayton, at 5:15, 6 and 6:45 p.m. Equipment and shuttle slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis; $30 equipment and shuttle, $8 shuttle only; some experience recommended.
July 11: Greene County Parks & Trails canoe trip down the Little Miami River, 6:30 p.m. at Narrows Reserve (main parking lot), 2575 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek. Equipment provided; two adults per canoe, $10 per person; experience recommended.
Paddlesports by the numbers
(2012 Outdoor Foundation special report)
7: Average number of paddling trips taken annually
19 million: Individuals who participated in a paddlesport
202million: Annual paddling outings
Tranquility and adventure, relaxation and invigoration — paddlesports have it all.
From a peaceful float down still waters, quietly observing wildlife to a wet-and-wild whitewater excursion, there are numerous ways to enjoy the local waterways. And whether you are a first-timer, a longtime enthusiast or somewhere in between, there are many options to choose from.
Paddlers are in good company as a 2012 survey conducted by the Outdoor Foundation, found that more than 19 million individuals across the country participated in a paddlesport that year including kayaking, canoeing, rafting and stand-up paddling (SUP).
“Water is the great equalizer,” said Erik Dahlstrom, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator. “Paddling is something most everyone can do.”
Longtime hiker Ken Tudor came to that realization a few years ago.
“I was an organizer with Dayton Hikers, and my knees started to go bad,” the Germantown resident said. “I still wanted to get out, and that’s when I started paddling.”
Tudor was hooked. He is now a driving force behind the Ohio Paddlers (www.ohiopaddlers.net) and is one of the more than 30 "organizers" on the group's Meetup page (www.meetup.com/movingwater/).
“I am not an expert. I have no certifications. I’m just a guy who enjoys it,” he said. “I’m a friend to go paddling with.”
Getting started
No equipment? No problem.
The MetroParks Try Paddlesports program enables people to test the waters free of charge.
“It’s in a very controlled environment, so it’s a great starting point for beginners,” Dahlstrom said.
Aspiring paddlers can try kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding as well as talk with local outfitters and even grab a snack at a food truck.
The MetroParks also offer a variety of introductory and advanced classes including the upcoming Youth Kayak Basics (July 22).
Local outfitters, such as Great Miami Outfitters, Whitewater Warehouse and True Heights Equipment Outfitters, also sponsor classes, events, speakers and trips. And liveries dot the area waterways offering canoeing, kayaking and rafting.
Fun, fitness and friendship
Paddling provides an impact-free full-body workout. It combines strength training and aerobic workouts while also improving flexibility.
But beyond the calorie burn, there are also psychological benefits including reduced stress levels.
“There can be some very calm, Zen moments when you are on the water,” Dahlstrom said. “You feel very connected with nature.
“For me, the best thing is the shared experience out on the water. The good, the bad, the short trips and the long trips, it’s doing it together that I enjoy.”
Tudor agrees.
“The people are the best part,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t having fun.”
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