Great Ohio River Paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the meal arrangements?
A. ORF will provide breakfast, snacks, lunch (yes, lunch for 2008) and dinner. Breakfast varies from cereal, coffee, etc., at the campsite to delicious meals from restaurants for lunch. Snacks, gorp, water, etc., are available at the campsite in the morning to take with you. You may want to bring your favorite trail snack, but there will sufficient quantities of snacks available. Dinner will be at the campsite.
Q. Are there snacks available for on the water?
A. Yes, grab some snack bars or gorp at the campsite in the morning.
Q. Do I have to eat gorp to paddle in GORP?
A. Gorp consumption during GORP is suggested, but not required.
Q. How is the drinking water at the campsite?
A. ORF will provide drinking water in the campsites for refilling your water bottles, containers, or bladders.
Q. Where do we stay at night?
A. We will be camping in a county park (Chilo Lock and Preserve) as special guests of the Clermont County Park District.
Q. Will someone be paddling with us who is familiar with the river and skilled in helping with problems that arise?
A. Yes, there will be guides and safety paddlers who are trained in leading paddling groups on river trips.
Q. Are barges a problem when paddling on the Ohio?
A. Barges stay in the channel in the middle of the river. Your guide will have a set of river charts which show the location of the channel. There is usually plenty of space and time between barges to allow us to make safe crossings, which we will do only occasionally. We give barges plenty of room. We check behind us periodically to know when a barge is approaching from behind.
Q. Why are the fees higher than rates at liverys or other events?
A. This is a fundraising event. If we charge competitive rates then we barely cover costs and have less money for our programs. The paddlefish and mussels would really get upset.
Q. Do we all paddle in the same group?
A. Both days you can choose to paddle in one of 3 Paddle Pods (see Trip Details page for PaddlePod info.). However, on Sunday we will all lock-through at Meldahl together.
Q. Do I have to participate in the fundraising/paddler sponsorship feature?
A. No. But this is a fundraising event and any help you can provide will be much appreciated (and rewarded with paddler premiums!!)
Q. Do I have to choose a PaddlePod now? Or, If I choose one now can I change my mind during GORP?
A. For planning purposes we'd like you to choose one during registration. However, you can change your mind at check-in on Saturday. You can also, change to another PaddlePod on Sunday.
Q. Are the fees per boat or per person?
A. The fees are per person.
Q. Can I paddle as fast as I want to?
A. Yes, but you cannot go ahead of the group or beyond boundaries (real or imaginary) set by the guides. The EndurancePod will be the pod for you. For a speed workout we can also tether you to a slower heavier boat with a couple of sumo wrestlers as occupants.
Q. Do we need to carry all our gear in our boat?
A. No. If you don’t want to carry your overnight and extra gear in your boat, ORF will provide a van to transport your gear from Ripley to Chilo and then Chilo to Moscow.
Q. What restroom facilities are available?
A. There are public restrooms at Chilo and Moscow.
Q. Are there showers available?
A. No. But, there is a water/hose hookup behind the public restrooms at Chilo Lock and Preserve Park.
Q. Should I bring my cell phone with me on the water?
A. You can, but we can't guarantee that you won't get splashed by your boating comrades if you use it.
Q. Will there be a shuttle to get me back to my car?
A. ORF will give you a ride from the end point to your starting point of your trip (Ripley).
Q. Will ORF watch my boat while I drive my car back from Ripley?
A. Yes, we will watch over your boat until you return to pick it up.
Q. Where can I stay the night before?
A. Ripley has a few B&Bs. Otherwise, there are a bunch of lodging options right across the river in Maysville, KY.
Q. Any gear rentals?
A. Not from us this year. You can try to find a local outfitter who might offer some services for a fee.
Q. Can I bring my pet(s)?
A. We like dogs, and some other pets, but 5-6 hrs. in a boat with no shade can be grueling. Also, on a windy day or stormy conditions, it can be treacherous to have pets in boats. So, as a general rule we have to ask that you leave your pet at home.
Q. If I can only paddle on Saturday, can I stay and enjoy dinner?
A. Yes! You can enjoy the food and lively conversation, but you still have to pay the full trip fee.
Q. Do I have to also raise funds for ORF?
A. No! But you'll be helping a noble cause, earn some fabulous prizes, and be the envy of all GORP Paddlers.
Q. Can I raise funds instead of paying the registration fee?
A. You will still have to show up on July 19 with the full $100 fee (and any additional $$ raised). Anything less and you're up the creek without a paddle. We can't let you paddle in GORP. (It just wouldn't be fair to ORF and the paddlers who paid the full fee.)
Q. Why paddle the Ohio River?
A. For the fun of it. For learning more about the Ohio River - up close and personal. For seeing the river communities from the perspective of the river. To support the only river conservation organization trying to protect and improve the whole river.
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