Make A Splash On The Water

June 22
Blazing Paddles
Feel the burn on June 22 at Blazing Paddles. Use paddleboards, kayaks or canoes in 2-mile or 5.7-mile paddle races or bump to the next level with the faster 13-mile race that goes to the iconic Cuyahoga River burn site and back. “Nobody else has an event that is directly tied to the DNA of the day we’re celebrating,” says Share the River founder Jim Ridge. 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, sharetheriver.com/blazing-paddles

July 20
Whiskey Island Paddlefest
Ride the tide at Whiskey Island Paddlefest in a 2-mile, 6-mile or kids’ stand-up paddleboard or kayak race. The races turn into a festival with music, food and more. “It’s a cool scene to come out and watch the race in the morning,” says Rachel Nagle, Cleveland Metroparks’ outdoor recreation manager. “Then you have your chance to try it in the afternoon.” 2800 Whiskey Island Drive, 216-341-1704, clevelandmetroparks.com

Aug. 16-18
Kelleys Island Paddling Campout
Paddle to paradise for the weekend at Cleveland Metroparks’ Kelleys Island Paddling Campout. Take the ferry to historic Kelleys Island and enjoy sunset paddles and hidden beaches, or search for sunken ships as certified instructors show you the lake in a new light. “If you come out and paddle, you’re going to learn a new skill,” says Nagle. “You’re going to fall in love with nature again.” Kelleys Island, 216-341-1704, clevelandmetroparks.com