Newsletter: 
Great Ohio River Paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTER for GORP
Q. What are the meal arrangements?
A. ORF will provide breakfast, snacks, lunch, 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 on Chilo public property as special guests of the Clermont County Park District.
Q. Will someone be paddling with us who is familiar with the river and assist with problems that arise?
A. Yes, there will be guides and safety paddlers who will provide river information and basic first aid.
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 event has food, guides, and other amenities. Also, this is a fundraising event. We need to make some profit to support our programs.
Q. Do we all paddle in the same group?
A. Both days you can choose to paddle in one of two Paddle Pods (see Trip Details page for PaddlePod info.). However, on Sunday we may decide to group pods and paddle as a larger group.
Q. Do I have to participate in the fundraising/paddler sponsorship feature?
A. You have to at least participate as far as the $50 additional minimum is concerned. You can pay that additional amount or raise it from others. This is a fundraising event and any help you can provide will be much appreciated. We hope you will far exceed the $50 minimum (and be 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; however, we may paddle as one large pod on Sunday making any PaddlePod decision moot for that day's paddle..
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. 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 Higginsport to Chilo and then to Neville.
Q. What restroom facilities are available?
A. There are public restrooms at Higginsport, Chilo, and Neville (port-o-potty).
Q. Are there showers available?
A. We plan to have outdoor showers available at Chilo. These outdoor showers are primarily for rinsing off the day's sunscreen, sweat, river water, etc. Don't expect privacy. Luxurious private showers will have to wait till you get back home.
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 Neville on Sunday to your the starting point of your trip (Higginsport).
Q. Will ORF watch my boat while I drive my car back from Neville?
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. We'll let registrants know if we locate additional options.
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 AND you have to provide your own transportation from Chilo back to Higginsport.
Q. Can I have alcoholic beverages at the campsite on Saturday night?
A. The Park District has on open bottle law that does not allow alcoholic beverages on public property..
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.