Event Gathering will be at either of Confluence Restaurant or Scioto Audubon Park, water and weather conditions depending. If water too high, then cancelled but otherwise is absolutely on. Even some of the construction on I-70/I-71 split bridges didn't stop paddling in recent years!
A) What's Happening
Arrive prior to 4 for best experience per street closures. We'll meet at the easy parking spot is Confluence Restaurant with parking in the Confluence parking lot as in prior years. Bring blanket, cards and any board games etc & just hanging out beforehand. Confluence parking is $20 and may fill up anytime between 4 and 8pm. Launch site under bridge (going toward the restaurant) on the Scioto side.
We'll put kayaks on sand bar to watch fireworks (water level permitting). Great place to picnic and just hang out with paddlers beforehand. Parking is first come, first serve typically. One luxury option is the Dinner Buffet for $50 (reserved seat) + only $5 parking. Boat House Parking has been $20 in past but handled discretionary / varied from prepay to pay at the entrance only.
https://www.boathouserestaurantoh.com/
Group size will be limited to packs of no more than 8; 6 if few others step up as Event Hosts. [Job of Event Hosts is to acknowledge names and offer no safety training, no assurances of lifeguard skill or water rescue.]
B). Paddle Safety Notices on Scioto near Confluence
Paddle Difficulty Warning: There's a strong current near near North Bank Park at the Railroad Bridge on Scioto. ONLY STRONG KAYAKERS SHOULD TRY THIS; otherwise portage. If heavy rains just before 4th of July, that'll make current even more difficult.
SCIOTO RIVER LEVELS -
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?site_no=03227500
C: Finding the Parking Spot
LOCATION, LOCATION the Kayakers' Way:
https://www.gps-coordinates.net/driving-directions
Enter in the following latitude, longitude then click 'Set as Destination'
Latitude/ Longitude 39.9662191, -83.0176035
D: Release of Liability
The section below is a basic release of liability. Attendees will be asked to sign a basic release of liability as is also typical being kayaking is an at risk sport. Attendees are required to wear a PFD / life vest and anyone refusing to wear a PFD will be banned from this meetup group following the event. By RSVP to this event, you are agreeing to release this meetup group and any others attending from liability for your own safety and your belongings.
{AWRL}
ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY (AWRL) By reading this or participating in an event, I certify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently prepared for participation in this event. I acknowledge that this athletic event carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of athletes, lack of hydration, equipment, vehicular traffic, and actions of other people including, but not limited to, event participants. I hereby assume all of the risks of participating in this MEETUP.COM event.
On consideration of my interest and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself and my executors to (A) Waive, Release and Discharge from any and all liability for my death, disability, personal injury or property damage that may occur to me during the event, or while traveling to and from this event, the following:
Michael McKinley and The Leadership Team; (B) Indemnify and Hold
Harmless Michael McKinley and The Leadership Team from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals as a result of any of my actions during this event.
I hereby consent to receive medical treatment which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident and /or illness during events.
I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form will be used by the organizers of the event in which I participate and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said events. It is further agreed that this waiver, release and assumption of risk is to be binding on my heirs and assigns. This AWRL shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum
extent permissible under applicable law. By joining this group, and electing to attend an event, I affirm that I have read and understand the AWRL.
E) Signing up:
Kayaking is an at-risk event so all attendees must sign their OWN INDIVIDUAL WAIVER and as such sign up as themselves. For a couple; both of you must join the group and signup for each event without a +1, +2, etc.
F) Cost
A $5.00 non-refundable fee has been added to this event to offset group costs. This group is helping to facilitate clean rivers and lakes through self-service bag stations.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/dogs-love-rivers?
G) Group Kayaking
Participants who attend are agreeing to the trip itinerary and show up with team attitude; bringing water & skirt snacks to share is encouraged. After 3 attended events, members can suggest or host an event.
https://paddling.com/learn/10-tips-for-kayaking-with-a-group
If on the waiting list, can SIGN UP as CO-HOST to join us!
