Kayaking and Kayak Rentals on the Upper Cuyahoga River Ohio
Are you looking for a fun, easy, and safe way to spend time outdoors? Kayaking along the beautiful Upper Cuyahoga River in Ohio might be the perfect activity for you! And the best place to start your water adventure is with Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak.
Kayaking in the Upper Cuyahoga River in Ohio is like jumping into a picture postcard. Imagine paddling gently through the water, with trees on both sides like friendly giants waving hello. The river twists and turns, taking you on a surprise-filled journey. Birds sing, fish jump, and if you're lucky, you might spot a deer sipping water by the shore. It's peaceful, exciting, and a great way to forget your worries for a while.
Why Choose Kayaking?
Kayaking is not just fun; it's also a great way to see nature up close, get some exercise, and relax. You don't need to be super strong or have any special skills to kayak. If you can paddle, you can kayak! Plus, it's an activity that friends and family members of all ages can enjoy together.
Why Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak?
Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak offers everything you need to have a fantastic time on the water. Here's why you should rent your kayak from them:
Friendly and Helpful Staff: Our team is there to make sure you have a great time. We’ll help you get set up, show you how to use the kayak, and even offer tips on where to go for the best experience.
Great Location: Located right by the Upper Cuyahoga River, Camp Hi offers easy access to some of the most scenic parts of the river. Whether you're looking for a peaceful paddle through calm waters or a bit more adventure, you'll find it here.
Safety First: Safety is a top priority at Camp Hi. We provide life jackets and go over safety rules to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
Options for Everyone: Whether you're kayaking alone, with a partner, or in a group, we have a variety of kayaks to suit your needs. Plus, you can rent them for just a few hours or the whole day, depending on your plans.
Plus, it's not just about kayaking. We have spots for picnics, so you can enjoy a snack under the trees after your water adventure.
So, if you're looking for a little escape into nature, where you can splash a bit, laugh a lot, and maybe even make some feathered or furry friends, kayaking in the Upper Cuyahoga River, with a little help from Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak, could be your perfect adventure.
Preparing for Your Kayak Adventure
Going on a kayak adventure is super fun, but a little prep can make it even better. Here's how to get ready for a great time on the water.
What to Wear:
Water-Appropriate Clothing
Quick-Dry Clothes: Choose clothes that dry fast if you get wet, like sports clothes. Cotton takes longer to dry, so it's not the best choice.
Shoes That Can Get Wet: Wear water shoes or old sneakers. Flip-flops might fall off, so they're not the best.
Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses. They also help you see better on sunny days.
What to Bring:
Water, Snacks, Sunscreen
Water: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. It's important to drink water even if you're not feeling thirsty.
Snacks: Pack some easy-to-eat snacks like fruit, granola bars, or nuts to keep your energy up.
Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, especially on the water. Apply sunscreen before you start and bring it with you to reapply as needed.
Safety Tips:
Life Jackets, Listening to
Instructions
Life Jackets: Always wear a life jacket, even if you're a good swimmer. It keeps you safe if you fall in the water.
Listen to Instructions: Before you start, listen carefully to any instructions or safety tips. Knowing what to do makes your adventure safer and more fun.
Stay Alert: Keep an eye on the weather and water conditions, and stay close to your group. If you're feeling tired, it's okay to take a break.
With the right prep, wearing the right clothes, bringing what you need, and following safety tips, your kayak adventure is set to be awesome. Remember, the goal is to have fun and stay safe. Happy paddling!
How to Kayak with Camp Hi
Kayaking with Camp Hi is a fantastic way to dive into adventure while enjoying the beauty of the North Cuyahoga River. Here's a simple guide to get you started, paddle smoothly, and spot some cool nature along the way.
Getting Started: Basic Paddling Techniques
Holding the Paddle: Grip the paddle with both hands, a little wider than your shoulders. Place your hand around the paddle shaft with palms facing outward, and close around the shaft.
Forward Stroke: Reach forward towards your toes. Let the paddle blade enter the water and pull towards your hip and along the kayak. Next side, repeat. Left, right repeat. You’ll establish an even rhythm. Sit upright in the seat, so the kayak tracks in a straight line.
Turning: To turn right, paddle on your left side and vice versa. If you paddle on one side longer, you'll make a bigger turn. Use the sweep stroke (a wider arc across the water) to quickly adjust your turn. This stroke will be the one used to turn, and do a circle when needed.
Learn the Brace: This outward hold on the paddle blade on water or land will stabilize the kayak. This can be used to stop a capsize by slapping the water with the paddle blade in an outward slap. The brace is also used when exiting or getting into the kayak. The paddle blade is positioned on the bank or a dock to keep the kayak still as you enter
Practice makes you better! Use your new skills on your trip and teach/help your friends.
New paddlers learn fast just sitting and using their hands to move forward, back, and turn.
Learning about the boat first
Navigating the River: Tips from Camp Hi Staff
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Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings. Stay together as a group. Have a Lead boat that knows where you are going. Don’t leave anyone behind. Your sweep boat is the last one off the water. That person stays last. Help others get down the river. ​
While on the river access points are marked for takeouts and start points. Camp Hi staff can let you know these access points. Bridges are the best access points if you need someone taken off the river. Help is a phone call away to Camp- 330-569-7506 direct to the office.
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Follow the Flow: The river has its flow and currents. By following them, you'll find paddling easier and more relaxing. All trips move you downstream.
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Keep Distance: Maintain a safe distance from other kayakers to avoid bumps. It gives you and others enough space to maneuver. When moving around an obstacle let the first person go through. Look upriver to see if others follow or have found an easier path around the branch or tree.
What to See: Wildlife, Nature Spots Along the North Cuyahoga River
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Bird Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for birds like Blue and Green herons and eagles. Occasional sightings of migratory Prothonotary warbler and the SandHill crane will be a thrill.
The Upper Cuyahoga River is a great place to spot these majestic creatures.
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Fish: The Upper Cuyahoga has sport fish such as the Northern Pike, Bass, Crappie, and Catfish.
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Nature Spots: The river is lined with beautiful trees and water plants such as the Water Lily, Pickerel Weed, Cardinal Flower, and Bullock Lilly. Summer blooms make the upper river a water garden. Don’t Pick! These are State protected. Your enjoyment only. In some areas, you'll find spots so serene, you'll want to stop and take it all in with a camera.
Kayaking with Camp Hi is not just about paddling; it's about enjoying every moment, from the splash of the water to the sights and sounds of nature. Remember, the key is to relax, follow these simple tips, and let the adventure unfold. Enjoy your time on the Upper Cuyahoga River!
Kayak Rental Options
When you're ready to hit the water and enjoy a day of kayaking, knowing your rental options can make the planning part easy and fun. Here's a simple guide to the types of kayaks you can rent, how long you can keep them, and what to do if you're kayaking with a group or your family.​
Types of Kayaks Available
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Single Kayaks: Perfect for one person. It's a great choice if you want to paddle at your own pace and explore on your own. We have kayaks from Old Town, Jackson, and Pelican. New this year we’ll have sit-on-top kayaks by Vibe, and Riot.
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Tandem Kayaks: Made for two people. These are fun if you want to share the adventure with a friend or family member. It's a teamwork experience!
Rental Time Frames
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One hour to One and a half: Best for beginners or if you're short on time. It lets you try kayaking without committing to a whole day.
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Two to four-hour Rentals: Plenty of time to explore and enjoy without getting too tired.
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Full-Day, 7-8 hour Rentals: Perfect for adventurers who want to spend the whole day on the water. This long trip starts North at 422 and ends down in Mantua village. You will paddle through two very different habitats and scenery.
Rental Time Frames
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Booking in Advance: it's a good idea to book your kayaks ahead of time. You can plan and book online by phone, or desktop. This is the simplest way to book. Groups should call the office to get a discount code and information on the best times to come out. This way, you're sure to get the number of kayaks you need.
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Safety in Numbers: Kayaking in a group is not just fun; it's also safer. You can look out for each other and help if someone finds it tricky.
Whether you're going solo, teaming up in a tandem kayak, or planning a big outing with friends or family, there's a rental option out there that's just right for your kayaking adventure. Just remember to pick the kayak that suits your plan, decide how long you want to be out on the water, and, if you're with a group, get everyone on board early. Then, all that's left is to enjoy the paddle!
Book with Camp Hi Today!
Ready to dive into an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the beautiful Upper Cuyahoga River? Whether you're a seasoned paddler or trying out kayaking for the first time, Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak has everything you need to make your trip special. From single and tandem kayaks to group rentals and expert advice on making the most of your journey, we've got you covered.
Don't miss out on the chance to glide through serene waters, spot amazing wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Go to: https://www. camphiadventure.com to plan your kayaking adventure and kayak rentals in Upper Cuyahoga River, Ohio. We're here to help you every paddle of the way!