Brewster Rhoads couldn't see any way around it: He was destined to be a lifetime kayaker.

After marrying Ann Lugbill - sister of whitewater canoeing Olympian Jon Lugbill - in 1980, he had no choice.

"If you marry into the Lugbill family, you've got to learn how to paddle," said Rhoads, 52.

Brewster Rhoads is a familiar sight kayaking on the Ohio River. (Meggan Booker photo)

Rhoads kayaks along the Ohio River near downtown Cincinnati about 300 days a year. The Mount Washington man is chairman of the Ohio River Way Paddlefest, an extravaganza held July 9-10 at Four Seasons Marina on Kellogg Avenue.

Rhoads owns a houseboat along the river, and though he doesn't live there full time, he said it's a great home base for his exercise routine.

"Instead of putting on running shoes to exercise, I put on a life jacket and spray skirt and jump in the river," he said.

Question: How far do you paddle every day?

Answer: I'd say 3 1/2 to 4 miles with the loop I do. During the course of the year, I paddle from here to Key West.

Q: What is the appeal?

A: It's great exercise, a wonderful workout. Secondly, it's beautiful. There's so much beauty in the Ohio skyline, with bridges and sunset and the excitement of a Reds game. It's so bright along the river when the Reds play that you could read a book by the lights if you're kayaking at night.

Q: Do you paddle in the main stem or tributaries?

A: I prefer to paddle where there's lots of action, rather than a secluded area. There's such amazing wildlife you might not ever know about right downtown: beaver, occasionally deer, lots of fish jumping, and an amazing number of geese and ducks.

Q: What can a person expect kayaking along the river?

A: Every day is different because of the wind conditions, clouds, sun, calmness or wind on the water. Some days, the water can be like glass; others, it's a raging river.

Q: Any advice for potential river kayakers?

A: Take advantage of the opportunity to exercise on the Ohio. It's safe, easy, beautiful and a great workout. It's also very accessible.