Race Recap: The Ohio River Paddlefest
by Adrian Angel, NorthCentral Regional Rep and Race Director
The Ohio River Paddlefest Race, held on August 2nd, brought together paddlers from across 10 States and Canada for a day of competition, camaraderie, and celebration of paddling, all benefiting a local charity, Adventure Crew, which works with local city schools to connect kids to outdoor activities, including paddling. Paddlers arriving the day before the race enjoyed a paddlers festival, with bands, food trucks, demos, and vendors, after picking up their registration packages.
Immediately after the race start, 2000 recreational paddlers follow the racers down the nine-mile course past downtown Cincinnati, and under 7 bridges. This makes for an exciting start-line, with the riverbank filled with people cheering the racers on. With clear skies, low humidity, and the wind on their backs, this year (the 24th year!) the racers had perfect conditions for a fun time on the water, and great competition. A particular focus this year was the addition of inflatable SUP and recreational SUP classes, which encouraged new races to make the move from the recreational fleet to the race fleet, and getting more people on the podium.
In the Men's category, Tony Galang claimed first place on his Starboard Sprint Zero. Randy Rair, secured the second spot, while Michael Weidman rounded out the podium in third.
On the Women's side, Elizabeth Duke, from Chicago, emerged victorious, taking home the first-place title for the second year in a row. Following her were Nathalie Shurigina, from Canada, in second, and Sara Rair in third, with a strong field showcasing the depth of talent among female paddlers.
Winners of the Inflatable SUP divisions were, Cori Wolf (Women), Gavin Conti (Men). Winner of the Unlimited division was Julie Hipp (Women). Winner of the 12’6” and under division was Brian Lane (Men).
