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Canoeing/Kayaking

Great Miami River Kayaking Trip

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Join us for a 2 to 3 hour kayak or float down the Great Miami River.

All participants will meet at Star City Brewing, load up in the shuttle, and leave the brewery. (Shuttling will start at 5:00 pm)

We will unload just after the West Carrollton low dam, travel down river, to just before the Linden bridge in Miamsiburg. Then shuttled back to the brewery.

Once back to Star City Brewing we shall have drinks and share our stories of portages, running aground, getting wet, and just how fun the trip was.

Ticket price includes cost of kayak rental from Hometown Kayak, shuttling, and an adult beverage at Star City Brewing.

Riverway Maps Available in 10 Mile Segments

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Love to paddle, row, fish or bird watch? You’ve come to the right place. MCD publishes river maps of the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River water trails to help you plan your next – or first – kayaking or canoeing experience. The water trail maps show you public access points, river miles, safety information and more. Download them or contact your local park district for a printed copy.

You can also download more detailed maps of the Great Miami River in 10-mile sections. These river access and bike trail 10-mile segment maps will give you a variety of trip ideas.

Within the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, you can enjoy

  • 291 miles of rivers and streams
  • 3 whitewater play kayak parks
  • 117 public access points
  • 100+ natural and urban parks
  • World-class fishing
  • Unique river cities and towns

Six rivers and streams – the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River, along with Twin Creek, Greenville Creek and Buck Creek – make up one of only 21 national water trail systems (designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior) and the only one in Ohio. The three rivers are state-designated water trails, too. And the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek are state-designated Scenic Rivers.

Discover Rowing

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Have you ever wondered what rowing was all about? Now’s your chance to experience for yourself!

DISCOVER ROWING ▪ FREE
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Ages 18 years and up
Learn about boats, oars, basic body mechanics, how to get in a boat safely, and get on the water in a sweep or sculling boat.
Pre-registration is required.
Show times will be assigned via e-mail after you are pre-registered.
EMAIL: discover@daytonrowing.org

Riverway Talks: Old Town Canoe Co. Conversation! 🚣

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Join Dan Foley, director of the Great Miami Riverway for a conversation with Alex Sherbinow, Marketing Manager with Johnson Outdoors and Old Town Canoe Co., one of America’s largest manufacturers of canoes & kayaks. He will discuss the company’s interesting history, and the current unprecedented trends in watercraft sales.

Old Town Canoe Co., a Johnson Outdoors brand, has produced canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks, life jackets, and paddles since 1898 . Their legacy began with they built canvas-covered wooden canoes. The company began making kayaks in 1995. In 2000 the company was making more kayaks than canoes.

Meet River Surfer Jorge Sanchez

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Some people are just drawn to the river. Jorge Sanchez is one of those people. When he’s not working to build and grow his company, Mile Two Consulting, Jorge is spending time outside hiking, cycling, or surfing on the Great Miami River. Yes, surfing.

Jorge is the founder and Chief Technology Officer for Mile Two Consulting, a company that builds software for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and the US government. Headquartered in downtown Dayton, Mile Two has close to 100 employees. Their customers rely on Mile Two’s knowledge on making decisions about how and when to adopt and integrate new technologies into business processes. Jorge grew up in Puerto Rico and came to Ohio to attend college. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a computer engineering degree, and Wright State University with a Master’s in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

While growing up in Puerto Rico, Jorge spent a lot of time swimming and body surfing in the ocean. Jorge said that when he got to Dayton, he had no idea that people could surf on the Great Miami River. Then he took a class from Surf Dayton and was embraced by the community. It reminded him of growing up in Puerto Rico. Surf Dayton is a community information source for everything river stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), surf, and whitewater kayaking related around the region. They offer lessons and host clinics for people interested in river surfing, and whitewater and flatwater SUP.

Jorge loves the Great Miami River, but he also enjoys the adjacent bike trail. When he was training for an Ironman Triathlon, he’d spent many hours cycling on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and sometimes his wife would pick him up at the end of a ride in Hamilton.

When he’s not on the trails, enjoying the outdoors with his family, or at work, Jorge has volunteered as a bike mechanic for Bicycles for All, a Dayton non-profit organization that accepts donated bikes and repairs them. They sell the adult bikes and donate the youth bikes to children that need one.

Jorge believes the surfing trend on the Great Miami River is only going to get more popular and bring more people to our region. He has met many friendly and helpful people through the Surf Dayton community and recommends everyone get out on the river.

Find your way to a surf lesson on the Great Miami River!

The “I am the Riverway” story series introduces people who live, learn, work, play, and do business in the Riverway. These are the people who bring the Riverway to life and are working to make it vibrant and fun. This is a story as part of the Great Miami Riverway “I am the Riverway” series. Want to add your story? Email dfoley@mcdwater.org

 

 

Paddling on the Great Miami River in the Spring – Safely!

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Paddling on the Great Miami River in the spring can be tempting – especially after a long, cold winter when we are looking to get back on the river. But you need to consider a few more things before you head out.

To help you keep paddling through colder water temperatures, we’ve put together our top 10 tips and things to think about before you decide to pack up and head out.

Our cold weather paddling top ten tips

  1. Clothing. Let’s start with what you wear. In winter, you need to cover the places you lose heat. Wear a hat, pogies and/or gloves, and insulated wet boots. Avoid cotton and choose high-wicking sports fabrics, wool, or fleece instead. *Don’t forget your life jacket – never leave home without it – and WEAR IT!*
  2. Make your boat as watertight as possible. Repair cracks. Double check the bolts to see if any are loose, and tighten them. You want to keep as much water out as possible. Carry a sponge around so you can get rid of any excess water.
  3. Carry a dry bag. It’s a great place to store keys and your phone, but also snacks for the paddle and a spare set of clothes, just in case!
  4. File a Float Plan. Tell someone where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you will be back.
  5. Take a Buddy. Don’t boat alone – especially when the conditions are colder or the water levels are up. Paddling is more fun with a friend anyway.
  6. Warm up. Get the blood pumping and the muscles warm. It will help prevent injury and also make the paddle a little more pleasant all round!
  7. Fuel up. Pack energy bars, fruits and/or nuts. Bring a thermos with a warm drink.
  8. Check the weather before you leave. Fall and winter are notoriously unpredictable. Always check the flow before heading out on a river. Heavy rainfall can change river patterns quickly.
  9. Always carry a phone or other way to call for help. Important for every paddle. A phone in your dry bag should be enough, but if you plan on trips in less developed places, a GPS transmitter might be a good investment.
  10. For more safety tips, see the Great Miami River Water Trail Map.

Before you head off, just one more thing. Cold water shock can happen at any time of the year (not just when it’s freezing cold!) and is the body’s reaction to a sudden change in temperature. Read up on cold water safety before heading out on the water, especially if you’re new to paddling.

Stay safe and have fun!

Find your way – to cold weather fun on the Great Miami Riverway

temperatures, we’ve put together our top 10 tips and things to think about before you decide to pack up and head out.

Our cold weather paddling top ten tips

  1. Clothing. Let’s start with what you wear. In winter, you need to cover the places you lose heat. Wear a hat, pogies and/or gloves, and insulated wet boots. Avoid cotton and choose high-wicking sports fabrics, wool, or fleece instead. *Don’t forget your life jacket – never leave home without it – and WEAR IT!*
  2. Make your boat as watertight as possible. Repair cracks. Double check the bolts to see if any are loose, and tighten them. You want to keep as much water out as possible. Carry a sponge around so you can get rid of any excess water.
  3. Carry a dry bag. It’s a great place to store keys and your phone, but also snacks for the paddle and a spare set of clothes, just in case!
  4. File a Float Plan. Tell someone where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you will be back.
  5. Take a Buddy. Don’t boat alone – especially when the conditions are colder or the water levels are up. Paddling is more fun with a friend anyway.
  6. Warm up. Get the blood pumping and the muscles warm. It will help prevent injury and also make the paddle a little more pleasant all round!
  7. Fuel up. Pack energy bars, fruits and/or nuts. Bring a thermos with a warm drink.
  8. Check the weather before you leave. Fall and winter are notoriously unpredictable. Always check the flow before heading out on a river. Heavy rainfall can change river patterns quickly.
  9. Always carry a phone or other way to call for help. Important for every paddle. A phone in your dry bag should be enough, but if you plan on trips in less developed places, a GPS transmitter might be a good investment.
  10. For more safety tips, see the Great Miami River Water Trail Map.

Before you head off, just one more thing. Cold water shock can happen at any time of the year (not just when it’s freezing cold!) and is the body’s reaction to a sudden change in temperature. Read up on cold water safety before heading out on the water, especially if you’re new to paddling.

Stay safe and have fun!

Find your way – to cold weather fun on the Great Miami Riverway!

MoMBA Mountain Bike Rentals are Back

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Want to go mountain biking at MoMBA, but don’t own a bike? You can try out the nine miles of single track without committing to buying gear. Bring the little ones out — youth bikes are available. The Hilltop Flow Trail and Tot Track are perfect for getting the kids to try something new. From the novice to the most advanced rider, everyone can have two-wheeled fun at MoMBA!

Mountain bikes are now available for rent on select Tuesdays and Saturdays at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA).

Advance registration is required, and fees must be paid at the time of registration. No walk-ins will be accepted due to COVID-19 safety considerations. Helmets are provided with each bike rental. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $10 for a 2 hour session.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19,special procedures are in place. You must wear a face covering and practice social distancing during the check-in and outfitting process.

7th Annual Canoegrass Kicks Off Friday

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Canoegrass is returning for its 7th year in 2019! Our new home was a huge hit in 2018 and we are stoked to build on the positive energy at MastersOutdoor Retreat. This private property near Sidney, OH offers something for everyone. Our signature water scene stays alive on this 11 acre property. It features a 2 acre pond, lake zipline, blob, sand volleyball court and playground. It is conveniently located 45 miles north of Dayton, OH. Just minutes west of Interstate 75 in Houston, OH.
Canoegrass is a playing in the water, laughing with friends kind of bluegrass festival and campout.
This isn’t your ordinary festival . It is a backyard party where you get wet, wild, stomp your feet and splash your friends all weekend long.
Bring a friend, a cooler, camp and join our annual summertime reunion at Masters Outdoor Retreat.

RiverScape Rents Kayaks & Paddleboards

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Five Rivers MetroParks will add to its offerings at RiverScape Rentals this weekend when it opens a new paddlesport rental option at RiverScape MetroPark.

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals begin this Saturday, June 15, and will be held on select dates throughout the summer. This pilot program is being offered in partnership with Whitewater Warehouse and is supported by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.

 

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be offered on the following dates:

 

June

  • Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

July

  • Friday, July 5, from 4 to 8 p.m.
  • 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, Aug. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. (during Five Rivers MetroParks’ Pickin’ in the Park)
  • Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (during the GermanFest Picnic)
  • Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Rental sales end one hour before closing times. Inflatable solo and tandem kayaks and inflatable stand-up paddleboards will be available for $15 per hour, per person.

 

Visitors will receive at least one full hour of paddling in the Great Miami River. They can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. If they choose, visitors also can paddle through the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights and theRiverScape River Run whitewater feature.

 

“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 at RiverScape MetroPark.”

 

Whitewater Warehouse will provide visitors with brief instruction prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial. Whitewater Warehouse staff also will help visitors get into their vessels and will be in the river to help guide those who paddle through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.

 

All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket, and those who paddle through RiverScape RiverRun will be required to wear helmets. Both will be included with the rental, along with other safety equipment.

 

Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet.

 

“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,” RiverScape MetroPark Manager Meredith Adamisin said. “For a minimal investment in an environment designed for success, people can give paddlesports a try and enjoy the unique regional amenities of RiverScape MetroPark, such as the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights and RiverScape RiverRun.”

 

“The paddlesport rentals also will show people how easy it is to paddle whitewater right here in downtown Dayton,” Adamisin added. “We hope visitors will go on to explore other paddling programs and opportunities with Five Rivers MetroParks.”

 

Visitors must be at least 8 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds to participate. Children ages 8 to 13 must paddle with an adult in a tandem kayak. More information about age and weight requirements, along with other details, is available at metroparks.org/rentals.

 

The paddlesport rentals join RiverScape Rentals’ existing bike and child accessory rentals.

 

Paddling Film Festival Comes To Neon Thursday

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Tomfoolery Outdoors and Massie Creek Paddlers present the 14th annual Paddling Film Festival at the historic NEON in Dayton, OH on March 14 at 7:00 pm.

The Paddling Film Festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action, and lifestyle – in more than 120 cities and towns across Canada, United States and around the world.

 

With 26 inspiring paddling films shortlisted for the World Tour, including the 10 festival category winners, audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries and grueling kayak fishing battles. Tickets can be purchased online for $11.

 

A Paddling Film Festival pre-party will be held at Mudlick Tap House in Downtown Dayton inviting guests to join the local paddling community for drink specials, a delicious meal and raffle prizes courtesy of our sponsors. Wear your lifejacket to the event to promote safety and be entered for a chance to win unique Tomfoolery Outdoors surprises. Please join us for an urban hike to The NEON from Mudlick Tap House to add a little adventure to your evening. Hike begins at 6:30 pm. It is a 1-mile round trip experience.

Attracting paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts, audiences can expect a fun, social and entertaining event inspired by compelling films like:

100 miles

Features an Alaskan expedition using packrafts to explore and fish a remote and braided river system

 

Big World

David Morton and his seven-year-old son, embark on a week-long standup paddleboard journey down the Karnali and Bheri Rivers in western Nepal.

Feel of Vision

A former Navy Petty Officer turned extreme adventure athlete, became the first blind person to whitewater kayak the entire length of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in a solo kayak.

 

Junk Paddle

An Australian outdoor educator demonstrates how to build a paddle by collecting rubbish wood between a train station and his office.

 

Global Water Consortium #SUP4Water

Local outdoor enthusiast Pete Savard leads a team (including his 15 year old daughter) down 444 miles of the Susquehanna River on Stand Up Paddleboards to raise awareness and funding for a sustainable clean water initiative in developing countries.

 

Live the Moment

A group of women paddlers gather together on a white water river adventure in Quebec to share their mutual values and love for paddling.

 

The Passage

Nate Dappen and his brother join their father and uncle on a canoe trip along the Inside Passage from Washington to Alaska, completing a journey started in 1974.

 

Confluir

The Marañón River in Peru cuts through the Andes Mountains as it flows into the mighty Amazon River. 20 proposed dam projects threaten this free flowing gem of a river. An international team of scientists raft the river while documenting the natural and cultural resources that would be affected by proposed dam projects.

 

We are Send

A group of extreme whitewater kayakers paddle the world’s biggest whitewater and tackle numerous waterfalls in this intense short film

Experience Kayak Fishing

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If you want to take a part in this event your prior kayaking experience must be at least 2 hours. Having completed any kayaking lessons will be perfect.

There won’t be any requirements of fishing experience – beginners will be welcome there!