2024 USCA Ohio State Canoe Kayak And Paddle Board State Championships Review

It was a Stellar day of kayak racing at the 2025 16th Annual – Ohio State Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Championships. I finished 4th overall in the 5 mile race with a time of 50:14 which was over 3 minutes faster than last year.  The weather was hot and humid. The river was low and calm.  It rained a little during the first mile but stopped and the sun started coming out from behind the clouds.  I got off to a little bit of a slow start being pinned between a paddle board and a kayaker that was a little challenged to go straight.  I finally passed them and was quickly up near the front of the pack.  I established the 4th spot early in the race and maintained it through the finish.  The first two kayaks were well in front.  The third place kayak was within site and I was slowly gaining ground.  I pushed hard the second half of the race and continued to get closer but never fully caught up far enough to make a sprint to the finish.  I crossed the finish line just 45 seconds behind him to secure 4th place.

I was a little disappointed that all boats over 14’ 6” were grouped into the same race class this year. For this reason I did not earn a medal which was the first time that has happened at this race for me. Usually 18’ kayaks are in a fast sea kayak division and kayaks over 18’ are in an unlimited division. I am not clear why the change occurred this year. I discussed it with the race director and he said he would change it back next year but not this year.

The main draw of this event is the 10 mile race that happens after the 5 mile race. The 10 mile race still had the more traditional boat classes. Many choose to compete in both races. Some compete in the 5 mile race because they aren’t comfortable or capable kayaking 10 miles. I am capable of kayaking 10 miles but choose the 5 mile race because it’s earlier and I can get on with my day. I don’t really understand why the boat classes are different at an event that features two separate races. To me it makes sense to have the same boat classes in both race distances. Hopefully next year the improve the situation.

All participants received nice t-shirts.  There were plenty of snacks on hand to fuel up paddlers after the races.  I will say the donuts hit the spot after the 5 mile race!

It was great seeing so many of my kayak friends out on the water today.  Performance Kayak & Surfski Inc. and Stellar Kayaks had a big day taking home a lot of medals . Congratulations to all of today’s paddlers and thank you to Joe Krizman and all of the volunteers that put on a great race.