The cost is $15 per person for a one-hour experience.
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“Very few people walk away without a smile on their face,” said Bernie Farley, co-owner of Whitewater Warehouse. “Once someone sees other people out there having fun, it’s infectious. They can’t wait for their turn.”
Safety is a priority as inflatable kayaks — also known as duckies — are safe, stable and not prone to capsize easily. They can be used for a peaceful flat-water paddle or an adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventure.
“The new paddlesport rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers, and the inflatable vessels are designed for those new to paddling to have a fun, successful experience,” said Sam Davis, Five Rivers MetroParks regional manager of business operations. “The rentals will help introduce people to an outdoor recreation activity that helps them enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle and connect with nature — right in the heart of Downtown Dayton.”
Whitewater Warehouse staff members brief all paddlers with basic instructions and a safety tutorial before they get on the water. Paddlers who choose to go through the whitewater feature will be required to wear a helmet and all paddlers wear life jackets. All equipment is included.
“It is absolutely safe,” Farley said. “We have people in place to guide paddlers through the feature and there are three rescue boats out there.”
Visitors must be at least 8 years old and at least 50 pounds, and children 8-13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors can enjoy at least one full hour of paddling, and can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. They can also paddle through the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights or the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
“You can get a lot of rides for a very affordable price,” Farley said. “After an hour, you are worn out.”
And that hour on the Great Miami River might just be the beginning of a lifetime of paddling.
“The Dayton region is home to many great places to enjoy paddling, and this new RiverScape Rentals option will allow more people in our community to experience this outdoor activity,” said RiverScape MetroPark manager Meredith Adamisin. “We hope visitors will go on to explore other paddling programs and opportunities.”
On select dates throughout the summer, visitors will have the opportunity to rent kayaks and paddleboards, and take them for a spin on the Great Miami River. This new program is being offered in partnership with Whitewater Warehouse and is supported by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.
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“The paddlesport rentals also will show people how easy it is to paddle whitewater right here in downtown Dayton,” RiverScape MetroPark Manager Meredith Adamisin said in a news release. “We hope visitors will go on to explore other paddling programs and opportunities with Five Rivers MetroParks.”
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DATES
Mark your calendars, because the new rentals will only be available on certain dates this summer:
JULY
- Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (during the Dayton Celtic Festival)
- Sunday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (during the Dayton Celtic Festival)
AUGUST
- Friday, August 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. (during Five Rivers Metroparks' Pickin in the Park)
- Saturday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (during the GermanFest Picnic)
- Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: RiverScape paddling rentals
WHEN: Select dates throughout the summer (see schedule above)
WHERE: Five Rivers Metroparks, 111 E Monument Ave., Dayton
COST: $15 per hour, per person
INFO: Website
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