whitewater racing season in Maine begins March 27th (Bangor, St. George: photos, race)

[maureenb]

Here's a link for all winter-weary paddlers:

The Herald Gazette: Whitewater Racing Season Begins March 27!

And a video of a March 17, 2010 paddle on the St. Geo:

YouTube - Kayaking the St. George River March 17, 2010

I'm just a messenger here - not an active paddler. I did the St. George River Race a few years back. It was a wicked good time, and I'd only canoed a couple of times. It's a great way to get out and see Maine!

[Kracer]

When I'm up there forever I'll get to do the St George and the Passy. Until then I'll have to be happy doing the Kenduskeag.

Of course the start of ice out would require the pursuit of open water fishing as well as sea run salmonoids which could very well interfere with pure paddling pleasure.

[Fiddlehead]

Great topic and images. Yet another beautiful thing about Maine!

[GarlicGuy]

Kenduskeag is rather low....

[Kracer]

Despite my contacts with a top paddler or two I have come to trust my own judgement of the water level on the K. If we get a good rain just before the race the water will be high. No rain, low. Not much in the way of length or feeder streams so it is a rain game.

One year of very low water the race was shortened because of a high water tidal effect that wouldn't allow finishers to get under any of the Bangor bridges.

Always appreciate any first hand observations of the water level. Thanks!

If anyone knows these guys in the photos I took after the race one year I hope you'll let them know as I would be happy to give them the photos. How About those boats flying out of the water, wouldn't those kids love to have that shot of their great adventure hanging on the wall.