A week ago, the fact that the St. George River Race was just three weeks off seemed incongruous. Snow was waist deep along the driveway, woodpile and picnic table were still hidden. Small hills and gullies were beneath a uniform blanket of white. It seemed likely paddlers would have a tough time finding the St. George River, never mind paddling it.
With the rains of last week, everything changed. The new concern is that the melt will come too fast rather than too slow. The seasonal landmark that the St. George River will be open by the last Saturday in March now seems like a good bet.
For those who haven’t paddled these rivers before, entering one of the local river races can be intimidating. But anyone thinking about it should keep in mind that there are always novices among the field and that for many racers it is more a rite of spring, a social experience, or a chance for a good workout rather than a serious competitive endeavor. Additionally, these races (and the clinics beforehand) actually provide an ideal opportunity for less experienced paddlers to learn a river. Unlike other days, on race day, there are rescue personnel at the danger spots, plenty of other paddlers around to learn the river from, and plenty of opportunities to hitch a ride back to the start.
More than 3 dozen paddling races will be held before the leaves turn in October. The first four races leading up to the Kenduskeag are:
1. St. George River Race: 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 26. 6 miles. For paddlers: The St. George is mostly Class I and II and is a great race to begin with. A paddling clinic is offered the afternoon before the race. See the race: Spectators and river vultures typically gather at the start on Route 131 near downtown Searsmont, on the Ghent Road Bridge, and at the finish on the Route 135 bridge. River fact: At high water levels, this river can be easier to paddle as the drop at Magog is smoothed out and there are fewer rocks to avoid. Contact: Waldo County YMCA.
2. Passagasswakeag River Race. 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 2. 6 miles. For paddlers: The Passy is just a wee step up from the St. George in terms of difficulty. As with the George, a paddling clinic is offered the afternoon before the race. See the race: The Rollerson Bridge on the Poor’s Mills Road is the most popular spot from which to watch this race. River fact: When the water is high, the river offers a short cuts where savvy paddlers can leave the main course of the river and cut through the woods. Contact: Waldo County YMCA
3. Soudabscook Stream Sprint & Race. Saturday, April 9. 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon, Saturday, April 2. 2 and 8 miles. For paddlers: Stronger currents and several Class II and III drops make the Soudabscook is a step up from the two earlier races. Scouting the river beforehand is essential. Several portages are involved. See the race: Several places off the Emerson Mill Road and the Papermill Road in Hampden. River fact: Soudabscook means “sloping ledge.” As with many rivers, this river was named for a predominant feature at the river mouth — in this case, where it joins the Penobscot. Contact: Additional information is at www.mackro.org
4. Marsh Stream Race. Sunday, April 10. 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon, 1 and 8 miles. For paddlers: Like the Sou, the Marsh Stream offers challenging Class II and III ledge drops and the currents can be strong. Scouting the drops beforehand is essential. Several portages are involved. The race course is sometimes shortened in years of high water. See the race: Several locations along the Stream Road in Winterport are ideal for watching paddlers negotiate drops. River fact: The Marsh Stream race course includes a portage around Flatrock Falls, which is considered Class V. Contact: Additional information is at www.mackro.org