Events
Columbus Paddling Club uses the common adventure model and is only a means to organize trips/events.
Each participant is responsible for their own preparedness and actions during the trip. These are NOT guided trips.
We strongly encourage all participants to be CPC members to support this club.
Children under the age of 18 are welcome to participate in CPC events, however, they must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
Please review the expectations of trip organizers and participants on our TRIP ORGANIZATION page.
To view a printable PDF of the Trip Calendar, Click Here.
Event Calendar
Upcoming Events
CPC Annual Planning Meeting
6pm - 10pm
El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant
3230 Olentangy River Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43202
Upper New River (Class 2)
Organizer: Mary Spikowski
The Upper New River (near Beckley, WV) is a forgiving river for newer paddlers. There are some fun waves and there is a big pool at the bottom of each rapid to collect anyone who has had an out-of-boat experience. The water is always warm in the summer and you might even swim on purpose just to cool off. Plans are still coming together at the moment, but I wanted to get this trip on the calendar so you can plan ahead for it if you are interested. Please contact Mary Spikowski at mspikowski@msn.com or (614) 561-5561, if you are interested in joining.
Lower New River Gorge (Class 4)
Organizers: Janice Hogrefe, Matt Place, Shawn Duffy
Details coming soon.
Lower Yough (Class 3)
The Lower Youghiogheny River put-in is in Ohiopyle, PA. Exact details remain to be determined, but I'm trying to compile a list of people who are interested. Details will be decided closer to the date.
If interested, please contact Mary Spikowski at mspikowski@msn.com or 614-561-5561 for trip details.
Alum Creek Practice Session
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
Meet at the north end of Alum Creek State Park Beach (3400 Lewis Center Road). We will be in the water from about 6:30pm to almost dusk.
Come and practice your roll or get help getting one. Or practice strokes, bracing, rescues or any other skill in your kayak or canoe while socializing with paddling friends.
This is a good opportunity for anyone wanting to get into a whitewater boat for the first time. You can learn and practice basic strokes, boat control, wet exits, rescues, etc from the comfort of a beach environment.
These are informal, so if you would like someone to work with you one-on-one, please reach out to us ahead of time. If the weather is bad, the event will be cancelled. We will host these events periodically through the summer, so check the event calendar for the next one. If you have any questions, contact Karen at kreinhart510@gmail.com.
Whitewater Skills Day
The plan is to hit up either the play park in Dayton, or another river/location within 2 hours if there is something else runnable. Will have to what kind of rain we get this week. We will work on whitewater skills - catching eddys, peel outs, ferries, surfing, etc. This will be suitable for beginners/first-timers, or anyone who just wants to come hang out and have fun.
More details to come. Contact Karen Reinhart at kreinhart510@gmail.com or text 614-288-9658.
Intro to Kayaking Clinic
This clinic is designed for entry-level individuals. We will focus on the basic skills involved with maneuvering a kayak on flatwater with efficient paddle strokes. This will include entering the exiting the kayak in a controlled manner; propelling the kayak forward, backward, and sideways; turning the kayak; and stopping the kayak. We will also discuss paddling knowledge, including trip preparation, equipment, safety, communication, and rescue.
Participants must bring their own kayak, paddle and life jacket. We may be able to accommodate a canoe upon request.
This clinic will run from 9am to 1pm at Alum Creek State Park, Cheshire Road Boat Ramp.
This clinic is limited to 10 participants. Participants must be members of CPC.
To attend, contact Karen Reinhart at kreinhart510@gmail.com or 614-288-9658.
Friday Afternoon Paddle
Organizer: Ann Gerckens
Big Darby? Mad? Where’s the water? Where do you want to go?
Bring snacks, water and dress for the weather. Sometimes we go out to eat afterwards but it’s not required.
Meet up time is 2pm.
Ann Gerckens 614-282-2781, text preferred, but voicemail works too. I do need to know if you are coming.
CCC Week of Rivers in NC (Class 1 - 4)
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
We are getting a group together to travel to North Carolina (near Bryson City) and join Carolina Canoe Club's Week of Rivers Event. Event info: https://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/content/week-rivers/
This is an excellent opportunity to paddle a variety of rivers in the NC/TN/GA area and meet new paddling friends from near and far. There are options for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. River options include: Nantahala, French Broad 9, Pigeon, Hiawassee, Tuckasegee, Upper Nantahala, Ocoee, Tellico, Nolichucky, Cheowah (ELF), Chattooga, and others, all depending on water levels & releases.
The events starts on July 1st, and goes through the following Sunday, July 9th. I will probably be heading down either on the 3rd or 4th. You can pick the dates that work best for you.
There are a lot of things to do outside of paddling as well for an off-day or for non-paddlers, from hiking and shopping to float trips and the "bad idea theater!"
Plan is to camp in the open field at Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground where the event takes place. ($10/day).
Contact Karen Reinhart for more info. kreinhart510@gmail.com
Local Flatwater
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
Planning a flat/moving water paddle on a local river, preferably within an hour of Columbus. Ill make a decision on the location and meeting time a few days in advance after considering water levels and weather.
If interested, contact Karen at kreinhart510@gmail.com or 614-288-9658.
New River Dries (Class 3)
Organizer: Brian Bing
Brian Bing is looking to get a group together to run the New River Dries. He has never ran this section, but would very much like to! Hopefully someone will join that has had some experience with running this section. Details (camping, shuttle, meetup times, etc) can be ironed out as the date approaches.
Contact Brian at bingbrian51@hotmail.com
Friday Afternoon Paddle
Organizer: Ann Gerckens
Big Darby? Mad? Where’s the water? Where do you want to go?
Bring snacks, water and dress for the weather. Sometimes we go out to eat afterwards but it’s not required.
Ann Gerckens 614-282-2781, text preferred, but voicemail works too. I do need to know if you are coming.
Alum Creek Practice Session
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
Meet at the north end of Alum Creek State Park Beach (3400 Lewis Center Road). We will be in the water from about 6:30pm to almost dusk.
Come and practice your roll or get help getting one. Or practice strokes, bracing, rescues or any other skill in your kayak or canoe while socializing with paddling friends.
This is a good opportunity for anyone wanting to get into a whitewater boat for the first time. You can learn and practice basic strokes, boat control, wet exits, rescues, etc from the comfort of a beach environment.
These are informal, so if you would like someone to work with you one-on-one, please reach out to us ahead of time. If the weather is bad, the event will be cancelled. We will host these events periodically through the summer, so check the event calendar for the next one. If you have any questions, contact Karen at kreinhart510@gmail.com.
Lower Yough Weekday Paddle (Class 3)
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
Come out for some weekday paddling fun! Karen is a taking a few days off work to enjoy paddling the Lower Yough without the crazy weekend crowds. Plan is to work the river and not bomb it. There is potential to paddle other surrounding rivers if the levels are good and the group is capable. We will be ending on Saturday by hitting up the Stonycreek Release. Camping available at the Yough Stop. If interested, contact Karen at kreinhart510@gmail.com or 614-288-9658.
Global Water Dances Columbus
Organizer: Gina Gasbarro
For the first time in Columbus, Global Water Dances Columbus joins Global Water Dances’, in its biannual event to increase awareness and to encourage action towards more equitable access to safe clean and affordable water for everyone!
Columbus Paddling Club invites you to join us in support of this mission at the Columbus Arts Festival!!!
Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Time: 2:30 PM
Put in: Lower.com Field ramp on the Olentangy River
Destination: Paddle down to Genoa Park Stage on the Scioto River
Take out: Lower.com Field ramp
There will be music and dance on the Genoa Park Stage from 3:00PM - 3:40PM. For more information go to globalwaterdancescolumbus.org/events and globalwaterdances.org or contact Gina at ginagazz320@gmail.com.
Lower Yough (Class 3)
Organizer: Mary Spikowski
Please contact Mary Spikowski, mspikowski@msn.com or (614) 561-5561 for trip details. The Lower Youghiogheny River put-in is in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. Exact details remain to be determined, but I'm trying to compile a list of people who are interested. Details will be decided closer to the date.
Alum Creek Practice Session
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
Meet at the north end of Alum Creek State Park Beach (3400 Lewis Center Road). We will be in the water from about 6:30pm to almost dusk.
Come and practice your roll or get help getting one. Or practice strokes, bracing, rescues or any other skill in your kayak or canoe while socializing with paddling friends.
This is a good opportunity for anyone wanting to get into a whitewater boat for the first time. You can learn and practice basic strokes, boat control, wet exits, rescues, etc from the comfort of a beach environment.
These are informal, so if you would like someone to work with you one-on-one, please reach out to us ahead of time. If the weather is bad, the event will be cancelled. We will host these events periodically through the summer, so check the event calendar for the next one. If you have any questions, contact Karen at kreinhart510@gmail.com.
Local Flatwater
Organizer: Karen Reinhart
Kicking off Memorial Day Weekend with a nice flatwater paddle Saturday morning. Not sure where yet, but preferably within an hour drive of Columbus. A lot of rivers seem to be on the low side. I will make a decision on the location and meeting time a couple days beforehand.
If interested, contact Karen at kreinhart510@gmail.com or 614-288-9658.
Friday Afternoon Paddle
Organizer: Ann Gerckens
Friday, May 26, at 2:00 pm
Big Darby? Mad? Where's the water? Where do you want to go? Bring snacks, water and dress for the weather. Sometimes we go out to eat afterwards but it's not required. Contact Ann at 614-282-2781. Text preferred, but voicemail works too. Ann needs to know who is coming.
(This was the Wednesday Afternoon Paddle, but Friday fits Ann's schedule better.)
Intro to Whitewater, Lower Slippery Rock (Class 2)
This introductory whitewater trip will be suitable for beginning paddlers who have learned basic paddle strokes and are comfortable maneuvering a whitewater kayak in a flatwater setting. Paddlers should also be comfortable with a wet exit. An eskimo roll is not necessary for this trip. Paddlers should have proper whitewater gear, including an appropriate kayak with floatation, spray skirt, helmet, PFD, and paddle.