Average Guy Outdoors: Beat the Heat

As summer arrives and things heat up, we'll all be looking for ways to cool down. Heading for the water is a good bet. Area reservoirs typically offer a steady breeze and, of course, plenty of water. But if you’ve ever spent an entire Southwest Ohio summer day on a boat on any of the larger bodies of water, you know the sun can be a beast.

Fortunately, Southwest Ohio is blessed to have several rivers that are perfect for paddling canoes, kayaks, and Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs). These rivers offer dappled shade from trees on shore and some relief from the sun.

You can read the complete article here: Using local waterways to beat the summer heat with paddle activities

For me, being on local waterways always seems to deliver a story. Quiet paddles could result in all kinds of wildlife sightings, from otters to deer to eagles. Group paddles deliver different types of stories, from runaway coolers to wedding rings washed away. But they only happen if you get outside.

In our area in the summer, the question isn’t what to do, it’s where to go. See resources below for possible rental and trip options. And one video of a section in Springfield on Buck Creek.