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students paddling kayaks on river

Paddling Programs

Ready to hit the water? Explore our range of exciting paddling options below and start your next adventure today!

The Adventure Center will contact all registered participants if the program will be canceled. All trips are a level 1 difficulty with no experience necessary and mild physical exertion unless noted. Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be given within 7 days of the program.

Pre-registration IS REQUIRED for all programs.

Register Online

Pool Kayak Clinic

New kayakers can come learn kayaking skills. Participants may bring their own boats via the loading dock stairs and back entrance as long as the boats are FULLY CLEANED before entering the pool. If you don’t own a boat, one will be provided for you to use. Contact adventurecenter@kent.edu with any questions. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED by the Wednesday before each program.

  • Date & Time: Thursdays, Jan. 16 - May 1 from 7 - 9 p.m.
  • Location: SRWC Lap pool
  • Cost: $7

Cuyahoga River Kayak Trip

This trip will be held locally on the Cuyahoga River. We will meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (or you can meet us at Kramer Fields-just let us know ahead of time!) From there, we will paddle to Brust Park in Munroe Falls. We will then take the shuttle back to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. A staff member will be with you on the water for the entire trip. The trip is 4.0 miles long, is beginner friendly, and no prior experience is needed.

  • Spring 2025:
    • Sunday, Apr. 27 from 2 - 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, May 4 from 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Summer 2025: June 7 - Aug.10
    • Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 2 - 5 p.m.
    • Sundays: 1 - 4 p.m.
  • Location: Cuyahoga River in downtown Kent - meet at the SRWC
  • Cost: $30

Lake Stand Up Paddleboarding Trip

We will be going to West Branch State Park for a beginner-friendly stand up paddleboard float. There is beautiful scenery, wildlife, and fresh air to take in while on the water. We will provide an introduction to paddleboarding before we get on the water going over lake safety, paddling strokes, and more!

  • Date & Time: Friday, May 2 from 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Location: West Branch State Park - meet at the SRWC
  • Cost: $30 Students, $35 Non-students

Lake Kayaking Trip

We will be going to Trail Lake Park for a beginner-friendly paddle around the lake in some kayaks! There is beautiful scenery, wildlife, and fresh air to take in while on the water. We will provide an introduction to kayaking before we get on the water going over lake safety, paddling strokes, and more! There is also an accessible kayak put-in at the docks for easy entry into your kayak.

  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 3 from 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Location: Trail Lake Park - meet at the SRWC
  • Cost: $30 Students, $35 Non-students

Full Moon Float

Here’s your chance to enjoy a beautiful sunset, relax in nature, and let your worries drift into the night as we paddle into the sunset on a peaceful and serene lake right down the road from Kent. Transportation is provided.  We will meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (or you can meet us at Wingfoot Lake, just let us know ahead of time!). Contact actrips@kent.edu with any questions.

  • Date & Time: (weather permitting)
    • Saturday, May 3 from 7 - 10 p.m.
    • Sunday, May 4 from 7 - 10 p.m.
    • Thursday, June 12 from 8 - 11 p.m.
    • Friday, June 13 from 8 - 11 p.m.
    • Friday, July 10 from 8 - 11 p.m.
    • Saturday, July 11 from 8 - 11 p.m.
  • Location: Wingfoot Lake State Park Boat Launch – meet at the SRWC
  • Cost: $35

All American River Bash

Come celebrate Heritage Festival with the KSU Adventure Center by kayaking the Cuyahoga River!  This trip is a partnership with Game Day Coffee and The Pub in Downtown Kent.  We’ll start at Game Day Coffee (or you can ride our bus from the Rec. Center) with a free drink or ice cream ticket.  Then, we’ll head to Tannery Park to do a quick kayaking 101 lesson.  We’ll paddle from Tannery to Brust park (about 4.0 beginner-friendly miles on the river) with a KSU Adventure Center staff member.  From there, we’ll load up and head to back to Game Day Coffee and The Pub where there will be music, a food truck, and good times!  The fee includes transportation, all equipment, instruction, and a drink ticket for Game Day Coffee. Contact actrips@kent.edu with any questions.

  • Date & Time: Saturday, July 5
    • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    • 2 - 6 p.m.
  • Location: Cuyahoga River in downtown Kent.  Meet at Game Day Coffee or at the SRWC
  • Cost: $40

Custom Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Enjoy some time outdoors paddling down the Cuyahoga River or on one of our local lakes. We have a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards ready for your group to use. If you are new to paddling, we can provide paddling instruction or we can just enjoy a leisurely paddle with your group. All paddling destinations are great for beginners and families. All paddling options include equipment, trained staff, paddle instructions (as requested) and assistance with return shuttle.

Please contact us at adventurecenter@kent.edu for more information regarding customized programs.

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