Tuscarawas River Canoe and Kayak Race is back in downtown Dover

Tuscarawas River Canoe and Kayak Race is back in downtown Dover
Kristin Hardwick

The race is open to anyone who can paddle a kayak or canoe.

                        

An Ohio summer is perfect for getting outside to enjoy all the area has to offer. For paddlers, the Tuscarawas River Canoe & Kayak Race will return July 16 after a four-year hiatus, with courses for casual and experienced kayakers.

The race, open to anyone who can paddle a kayak or canoe, will launch from Canal Dover Park at 10 a.m. Registrations will begin at 8 a.m., with a mandatory prerace meeting at 9:30 a.m. The fee to participate is $25 per person or $15 for paddlers age 17 and younger.

Racers must have a boat that is currently registered with the Ohio Division of Watercraft, a personal floatation device and a whistle.

“There are two levels or two races,” said Mary Jo Monte, race director. “One is 3 miles and travels upstream, around the island and back. This is a pretty easy course to do, and anyone should really be able to paddle the 3 miles.”

The second course is 10 miles. “This time you’re going upstream past the white bridge at Route 416 and then returning the same way. That’s a two-loop run to make about 10 miles. People from all around the state come and compete in the 10-mile run. It’s great preparation for the larger U.S. Canoe Association Ohio Division race, which is held two weeks later,” Monte said.

The first 75 registrants will receive a T-shirt as part of their race participation. The race is sanctioned by the U.S. Canoe Association and fully insured. A rescue boat will be on hand, as will rescue services if needed. Life jackets are required for participants age 16 or younger and are strongly encouraged for all racers.

To register, sign up the day of the race or email Monte at tuscriverrace@gmail.com. Monte said there is the possibility the race may be canceled if the river level rises above 3 1/2 feet.

“We are looking at long weather projections, and so far we don't think we will need to do that. The weather looks good through race day,” she said.

If the race is canceled, it will not be rescheduled.

Whether you have been an active paddler in the past is of no concern, Monte said.

“Part of the reason we started the race in 2011 was to introduce people to outdoor activity. Kayak purchases really surged over the past 10 years or so. Then they tend to sit in the garage and don’t get used. This is the chance to get out and use them, get some fresh air, and have outdoor fun. If you paddle correctly, the 3 1/2 mile race is a lot of fun and easy to handle. You can see if you really enjoy kayaking or canoeing and if you’d like to do it more often or at a more competitive level,” Monte said.

If you need pointers before getting started, there will be plenty of experienced people of whom to ask questions on race day.

“Another great thing about the race,” Monte said, “is seeing what other people have and what they’re using. It can be a great education on what kinds of boats are out there and how involved you can become if you want to. We see a tremendous variety of boats and equipment, and this is a great way to learn about all that.”

Awards will be given to the top-three finishers in each class, and classes are available for both men’s and women’s teams. Proceeds from the race will be used for the portable toilet at the park.

The Canal Dover Park launch site is where Poplar Street meets East Front Street just upstream from the Wooster Avenue bridge. Find updated information and full details by searching Facebook for Tuscarawas River Canoe & Kayak Race.


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