An overview to the boat will be given and then you will be out on the water trying paddling out for yourself! Depending on demand, you may have the opportunity to try different styles of boats. A great way to learn about the sport in a controlled environment. All equipment is provided.
This is a drop in program. Participants can arrive any time during the scheduled period, but it is recommended that you are there at least 30 minutes before program end time. Weather Dependent. Registrations are requested.
The cost to participate is $10 per person per hour. Kayak rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
It’s time to travel again….and even though I use AlphaTrips to highlight cities and towns close to our beloved Dayton, it’s time to TRAVEL beyond. 4 and a half hours from Dayton’s city center is one of America’s great big cities…CHICAGO! Flanked by the beauty of Lake Michigan, highlighted by the amazing skyscrapers, filled with world-class hotels and dotted with more parks than you can shake a stick at…Chicago is vibrant again. Gone are the annoying masks, plastic dividers, and spacing that kept us all at bay. Back is an oasis for shoppers, a playground for water lovers, and a fulfillment for music and art aficianados.
For me and the gang I traveled with, we found a ton to do! Plopping ourselves at the Viceroy on State Street…we were near the beating heart of the town. A short walk to Michigan Ave. and you could feel it…life is BACK! On the streets families with popcorn, lovers holding hands and obnoxious drivers laying on their horns in hopes they get much needed attention! Shopping felt good…no clicking Amazon for a new shirt, but rather, trying it on…and having the clerk find a better size…HEAVEN! (By the way, Ralph Lauren’s POLO on Michigan is a must now….WOW…packed and pretty!!) Starbucks three level signature store is bit much, but its worth a drop in. To be real, I was more interested in finding the old hotels with those dimly lit bars, and amazing Old-Fashioneds…and they didn’t disappoint! (Champagne stops are a good idea as well.) 
Dining is also back in Chicago. We ate dinner at Somerset, a patio restaurant, with great people-watching in the Gold Coast. After dinner, take the elevator to the 18th floor to Devereaux…this pool-side party place is inviting and sophisticated. Of course, I could list dozens of places to find food, and everyone would have an opinion how right or wrong I was…with that, I will say, there is something for everyone in Chi-Town! (We loved grabbing a coffee at Whispers and sitting in the triangular garden among the college kids and locals.)




Registration is now open for the 2023 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 17 to August 13. This family-friendly event is a catch-and-release, virtual fishing tournament, where anglers use the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches. Prizes include cash, gear, and more!
