By Maggie Downs
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Australians and Paddlefest competitors Cameron Slater (left) and Matt Coutts sit by a kayak at Four Seasons Marina on Thursday. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

They've seen the world. But until now, they haven't seen anything like Paddlefest.

Two Australians, Matt Coutts and Cameron Slater, both hailing from Perth, are putting their six-month excursion around the globe on hold to participate in Saturday's 2003 Ohio River Way Paddlefest.

The 21-year-olds learned about the event through a brochure left on their car.

The wet and wild Paddlefest is an extravaganza of all things river, from races to music celebrating the Ohio River's rich heritage.

Word among the canoe crowd travels fast. Last year's event - the first Paddlefest - brought in 485 people. This year, with an expected 1,000 paddlers, will be the largest canoe and kayak float trip in this area since the Lewis and Clark expedition.

River-wise, not much has changed since then.

"So much of what you see doesn't look any different now," said organizer Brewster Rhoads, motioning toward the riverbed on Tuesday as he floated down the Ohio in a canoe. "It's so easy to imagine the exact same thing 200 years ago."

So far, the youngest registered participant is 8 years old. The oldest is 81.

"It's a happening," Rhoads said. "It's like Woodstock for canoes."

Gov. Bob Taft and first lady Hope Taft will kick off the festivities. Rep. Rob Portman has signed on to participate in one of the races. Portman, R-Ohio, is a resident of Terrace Park.

To accommodate everyone, the U.S. Coast Guard will close the Ohio River to commercial barge traffic from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Events include a leisurely 6-mile float trip, beginning at Four Seasons Marina on Kellogg Avenue and ending at the Serpentine Wall at downtown's Sawyer Point; a 9-mile amateur canoe and kayak race; and a 14-mile professional canoe race.

That's the event that struck the fancy of Coutts and Slater, who are hoping to nab some prize money from the $4,200 purse. Plus, they simply like racing.

"Cameron and I enjoy competition," Coutts said. "It's something in us."

However, the veteran kayakers don't have much experience with canoes. To be exact, they've been in a canoe once. About three weeks ago.

"We're still trying to master this canoeing business," Coutts said.

About Paddlefest

Saturday's Ohio River Way Paddlefest will provide a stunning view of the Ohio River for the people on the water.

But there's another great view to be had. And that is watching more than 1,000 paddlers take over the closed-off river for the day.

The top places to watch this paddle-palooza:

Schmidt Field (Eastern Avenue) - Have fun. Play ball. Watch paddlers.

St. Rose Church parking lot (2501 Eastern Ave.) - Not only is this a great view of the Ohio, a gauge behind the church will show you how high the river has flooded over the years.

Floodwall in Dayton/Bellevue - Long, clear view of the river.

River Park (Dayton, Ky.) - Comfortable, nicely landscaped area. Excellent spot for relaxing in lawn chairs. Plus, great equipment where the kids can play.

Spencer Overlook (Eden Park) - From this high vantage point, you can easily see both up and down the river.

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com