Paddle in the City - Sunset Edition

Paddle in the City is a paddle sports education program sponsored by HERO USA. Come join us to to participate in a level one American Canoe Association introduction to paddling. Enjoy a 1.6 mile adventure in a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard right through the heart of Downtown Columbus and the award winning Scioto Mile to Bicentennial Park where we can paddle around and enjoy the sites and sounds of the concert and our beautiful city lit up at night.

By interacting with waterways and participating in a paddle through downtown Columbus, people of all ages can develop a lifelong appreciation for this resource. The purpose of this paddle is to teach basic skills for level 1 paddling, educate paddlers about the vital role waterways play in the region and highlight the award winning Scioto Mile parkland.

SUNSET PADDLE DETAILS:

The start location for the paddle will be along The Scioto Mile at the Main Street Bridge Access point and the Take Out will be the same. We will be meeting at 7pm at the parking lot on the corner of Starling and West Rich Street (just south of COSI - 348 W. Rich Street).

Here is a link to the GPS coordinates for the lot: https://goo.gl/maps/YMbYLEmTuHeXAWs98

We will then enjoy a leisurely paddle until the sun begins to set.

Participants will receive a 15 minute introduction to paddling safety and skills course conducted by HERO USA instructors. Immediately following the safety course, participants will enjoy a 60 to 90 minute paddle on the newly restored Scioto River corridor to take in the sights and sounds of downtown Columbus. Additional on-water instruction is provided during the paddle. All paddles are accompanied by ACA certified instructor river guides.

WHAT TO EXPECT/BRING:

1. Please bring your own water or beverage. NO ALCOHOL

2. Wear appropriate shoes/sandals NO FLIP FLOPS

3. A towel and change of clothes as you may get wet

4. Pets under 50 lbs welcome and must be pre-arranged

BY APPOINTMENT - Weekday / evening group and corporate paddles available upon request. Just email us at groupoutings@herousa.org.

HERO USA 2019 OPERATIONS HOURS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

2019 operation hours for HERO USA begins May 5 and are in effect until the end of the paddle season (up to October 26). The implementation of this policy is based on several factors:

1. COURSE MINIMUM- You are participating in a level 1 American Canoe Association introduction to paddle sports course. With this, HERO USA must meet a minimum participation number of students to conduct a course. This minimum is a 6 boats/boards. Furthermore, registrations not received a minimum of 12 hours prior to the scheduled class time MUST BE CONFIRMED BY THE PARTICIPANT. This confirmation can be either by phone or email contact with HERO USA staff. Failure to confirm could result in the course being canceled due to inadequate staff planning and preparation for said course. Correspondance will be sent out via email a minimum of 12 hours prior to each course time if this minimum is not met. HERO USA reserves the right to cancel any class up to 4 hours prior to the start time. Participants are responsible for checking email 4 hours prior to their registered time for any change or cancellation due to any HERO USA policy.

2. WEATHER- HERO USA reserves the right to cancel any scheduled courses due to inclement weather as part of our risk management policy for hypothermia. HERO USA follows American Canoe Association guidelines for safe paddling, of which the air and water temperature must be 120 degrees combined. If this parameter is not met, HERO USA reserves the right to delay, move, postpone or cancel any courses to ensure the safety of our participants and staff.

3. COURSE TIMES/REGISTRATION- HERO USA reserves the right to limit course time availability in order to help ensure courses meet the minimum participation requirements. If you wish to paddle a time that is not available and have a group of 6 or more total boats, you can request special consideration to be made to accommodate your group. HERO USA also reserves the right to limit course time offerings based on morning temperature forecasts to ensure we meet our above risk management parameters. Email us at groupoutings@herousa.org.

4. REGISTRATION- HERO USA reserves the right to close registration up to 24 to 72 hours prior to any scheduled course offering. If registration is closed for a particular time, participants can request special consideration for availability of that time to be reopened. Email us at groupoutings@herousa.org.

5. CLOTHING- With cooler spring and fall temperatures, HERO USA reserves the right to deny participation of participants who are not adequately dressed for the weather conditions as part of our risk management policy. This includes, but not limited to: base layers, protective outerwear in inclement weather and footwear.