Kayakers gathered to give the Ohio River Way Challenge participants a spirited send-off as they embarked on their 250-mile journey along the Ohio River, starting in Portsmouth, Ohio. This year marks the fourth edition of the challenge, where participants will spend 11 days paddling to various cities along the route, culminating in Louisville, Kentucky. The kayakers, filled with enthusiasm and support, lined the river’s edge to cheer on the adventurers in their 30-foot voyager canoes as they began their expedition.
Kayakers gathered to give the Ohio River Way Challenge participants a spirited send-off as they embarked on their 250-mile journey along the Ohio River, starting in Portsmouth, Ohio. Participants will spend 11 days paddling to various cities along the route, culminating in Louisville, Kentucky. The kayakers, filled with enthusiasm and support, lined the river’s edge to cheer on the adventurers in their 30-foot voyager canoes as they began their expedition until they reach the Shawnee State Mariana.
The Ohio River Way Challenge is not just a test of endurance but a celebration of the river and the communities along its banks. Participants can choose to join the entire journey or select portions of the expedition, with the primary goals of connecting with local leaders and community members to share their passion for the river, and celebrating the efforts to promote river-based recreation and tourism. As they paddle from town to town, they aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the river and the vital role it plays in the region’s culture and economy.
In addition to promoting community engagement, the challenge serves to document and raise awareness of the river’s recreational, historical, and ecological assets. Participants will capture the beauty and significance of the Ohio River, highlighting its importance as a natural resource and recreational hub. Each evening, the team will dine at local eateries and camp overnight, immersing themselves in the local culture and building relationships with the residents. This routine underscores the symbiotic relationship between the river and the towns that thrive along its banks.
The journey is rigorous, with the team setting out before dawn each morning to paddle around 25 miles, often spending up to 12 hours on the water. This demanding schedule requires dedication and resilience, but the participants are driven by their mission to celebrate and protect the Ohio River. If you would like to meet the team along their route, check the schedule and drop them a line—they welcome the opportunity to connect with supporters and share the experience of this remarkable voyage.
Information about Ohio River Way
The mission of the Ohio River Way is to help people find adventure, inspire care for the land and water, and boost the economies of vibrant Ohio River communities by building partnerships that promote safe, healthy outdoor recreation; education; & tourism.
The Ohio River Way is pursuing an Ohio River Valley renowned for its vibrant communities, opportunities for exploration and recreation, and high quality of life. We work across local and state boundaries, collaborating with a coalition of communities and organizations, to:
- celebrate and enhance the natural, cultural, and historical assets of the Ohio River Valley;
- facilitate a regional network to address common challenges and pursue shared opportunities; and
- identify and align resources to benefit the health and well-being of our communities. In doing so, we are collectively creating a vibrant, healthy, and prosperous region.
Contact Info for Ohio River Way:
E-Mail: info@ohioriverway.org
Website: www.ohioriverway.org
Address: P.O. Box 812, Cincinnati, OH 45201
