The Enquirer

FIRST-TIME KAYAKERS: If you're interested in learning to kayak along the Ohio River, Howard Hawkins is your man. The North Avondale water-sports enthusiast supplies kayaks and river-safety lessons in by-appointment-only sessions through Cincinnati Kayaks Downtown. Cost is $40 per person for a two-hour loop along the Ohio and Licking rivers. Hawkins, who has taught kayaking for 17 years in Cincinnati, said the river often gets a bad rep, but it's actually a beautiful animal sanctuary and a great place to exercise.

"People who have lived here for a lifetime think the river is too dirty and the water is terrible, but it really has improved in the last 20 to 25 years," Hawkins said.

He accompanies his guests on the route because "the river can be an intimidating place." There are perks, such seeing turtles, swans and heron close enough to touch. Hawkins offers the personal tours from May to September. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 751-1772.

PADDLEFEST: The Ohio River Way is holding its annual Paddlefest at Four Seasons Marina on 4609 Kellogg Ave., July 9 and 10. The fest starts with a Paddlers' Party & Expo at Four Seasons from 4-11 p.m. Saturday's races include the signature "2,000 Paddles" 6-mile trip, an event that drew nearly 1,000 people in 600 canoes last year. Barge traffic is halted by the Coast Guard to preserve a safe and scenic trip for its paddlers.

Paddlefest also features a 14-mile pro race, the only professional canoe marathon on the Ohio River, and a $3,000 purse for its winners. The annual 9-mile Amateur Canoe branches into the Little Miami River from the Ohio. For more information, including registration fees and starting times, visit www.ohioriverway.org.

RIVER NOT YOUR BAG?  If you'd prefer lakes to the Ohio River, you're in luck. Hueston Woods, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, Stonelick and East Fork parks offer outdoor recreation for any kind of enthusiast. Besides boating and fishing, you can hike, hunt, picnic, swim and camp. Visit www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks for links to Ohio's 74 state parks.

MORE CANOES: There are several places to canoe, kayak or raft for the day in crafts available to rent in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas.

• Little Miami Canoe Rental (www.littlemiamicanoe.com) , Morrow and Oregonia. Call (513) 899-3616or (800) 634-4277.

• Loveland Canoe and Kayak, Loveland. Call (513) 683-4604.

• Morgan's Canoe Rental (www.morganscanoe.com) , Fort Ancient and Brookville. Call (800) WE-CANOE.

• River's Edge Canoe Outfitters, Waynesville. Call (800) 628-2319.

• Scenic River Canoe & Kayak, Newtown. Call (513) 831-5552.

• Thaxton's Licking River Canoe Rental (www.gopaddling.com) , Butler, Ky. Call (859) 472-2000.

BOATING TIPS: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has a few rules for boaters to protect and ensure their safety.

• All boaters on state park lakes must comply with Ohio Watercraft Navigation Laws.

• Each passenger must have a Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device.

• All boats must have current valid registration.

• Water skiing is allowed only in designated zones.

SAFETY FIRST: According to the ODNR, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1982, must pass a boating course or proficiency exam to operate a boat with 10 or more horsepower. The course must be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the exam must be approved by the ODNR Division of Watercraft. For more details, visit www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft. To take an Ohio Boating Education Course, visit www.boat-ed.com/oh.