Registration closes July 24 — register by July 15 for a free limited-edition T-shirt
Miami County, Ohio — The Great Miami Riverway is inviting paddlers of all skill levels to the 2026 Great "Pirate" Float, a 3.5-mile paddle down the Great Miami River on Friday, July 31, complete with a pirate-themed scavenger hunt, live music, food, and prizes.
The annual event — one of the most popular on the Riverway, attracts 100’s of participants in past years — returns this summer with a swashbuckling twist. Gather time is 1:00 PM at Adventures on the Great Miami, 1995 Ross Rd., Tipp City.
The Route
Participants paddle 3.5 miles south on the Great Miami River, with the journey taking approximately two hours. The river does most of the work — though paddlers are encouraged to keep an eye out for pirates and hidden items planted along the route.
Boat Options & Pricing
Participants may bring their own watercraft or rent from Adventures on the Great Miami:
An optional boxed dinner from Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Co. is available for $16 per person.
Float and Give Back
The first 50 participants who agree to carry a trash bag and help clean up the river during the paddle receive a $25 discount — bringing the cost to just $5 with a personal boat or $15 with a rental kayak. Participants can use the code "cleanup" at registration to claim the discount. Spots are limited.
Pirates of the Great Miami: The Scavenger Hunt
Hidden along the route are clues, sightings, and surprises planted by event sponsors. Paddlers can pick up a scavenger hunt card at registration and turn it in at the finish line for a chance to win prizes, including a VIP Experience with the Dayton Dragons.
After the Paddle
Once off the water, participants are welcome to BYOB, enjoy live music from the Possum Creek Ramblers on the band shell from 5:00–6:30 PM, and pick up their pre-ordered boxed dinner.
Registration Details
Registration closes Friday, July 24. Participants who register by Wednesday, July 15 will receive a free commemorative Great Miami Riverway T-shirt featuring a brand-new design. Capacity is limited.
Register at: https://protix.cityspark.com/e/2026-great-float-pirate-scavenger
The 2026 Great Float is presented by the Great Miami Riverway, with support from sponsors Burgess & Niple, Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Stantec, Miami Conservancy District, and the City of Troy.
About the Great Miami Riverway
The Great Miami Riverway, a program of the Miami Conservancy District, is convened in collaboration with local communities to support and encourage people to live, work, and play safely along the Great Miami River. The Riverway connects vibrant city waterfronts through the nation's largest connected paved trail network and Ohio's first National Water Trail. Learn more at greatmiamiriverway.com.
