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Post by fred on Mar 14, 2009 7:32:33 GMT -5
I know we have two weeks to go, but how are the rivers opening up down in the Belfast area? These cold nights up north are really keepng everything locked up pretty good.
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Post by Ray Wirth on Mar 14, 2009 13:00:34 GMT -5
I know we have two weeks to go, but how are the rivers opening up down in the Belfast area? These cold nights up north are really keepng everything locked up pretty good. I've been paddling the St. George every day for 3 weeks now. Sorry, Fred, that you have been missing out.  Actually, although I haven't checked the St. George specifically, I have been looking at other local rivers, and my guess is that we are a few good warm days (or a good rainstorm) away from having the St. George open for the whole stretch that is used for the race. Lots of snow still on the ground. We are still pretty locked up here as well. |
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Post by Ray Wirth on Mar 17, 2009 21:23:31 GMT -5
Here is the word on the St. George via another paddler who talked to Dale Cross on Tuesday:
"Talked to Dale Cross Tuesday. He said St. George is not open now but should be by this weekend."
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Post by Ray Wirth on Mar 18, 2009 19:09:52 GMT -5
I'm planning to paddle the St. George this Saturday -- and would be happy to join up with a 1st-timer or with anyone else who wants to paddle and shuttle.
If interested, post here or email me at ray@touringkayaks.com
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Post by Jeff Owen on Mar 19, 2009 8:17:50 GMT -5
I'll be looking for some experienced MaCKRO paddlers to join a group paddle on the St. George race course on Friday (March 27) afternoon. I'll be bringing some Orono High students to the river and will look for MaCKRO members to team them up with to show the kids the river (and help them decide if they'd like to give the race a try).
Similar adventures possible on the Passy on Sunday (March 29th, if it's open) and on Friday afternoon (April 3). Please consider joining in to help these kids. Thanks!
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Post by Jason Cross on Mar 19, 2009 9:37:55 GMT -5
What time period in the afternoon are you looking at running on Friday? Me and my partner are planning on going down the St. George Friday.
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Post by Ray Wirth on Mar 19, 2009 19:55:56 GMT -5
The St. George is open! More details soon! Had a great run today. Level is low side of medium. A nice level for learning the river right now -- and the level will probably remain consistent through the weekend.  Take out's at Magog, at the finish, and in many places elsewhere are a little tricky because of the shelves of snow that extend down to the water. No new downed trees, strainers, or other obstructions of note. Shoreline ice constricts the river in a few places in whitewater sections, but nothing that interferes with paddling normal routes down the river. The current level is such that you will undoubtly touch a few rocks on your way down through, but the flow is strong, and overall it is a good ride. |
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Post by michaelalden on Mar 20, 2009 11:24:01 GMT -5
Nice update, Ray.
I slipped on my deck while clearing snow a few days ago and I sprained my ankle, but I'll try to make it down there as a spectator next weekend.
With more snowmelt and an extended forecast calling for possible showers next Thursday and Friday, it might be something, eh?
"The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.” - Patrick Young
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Post by Jeff Owen on Mar 21, 2009 17:04:33 GMT -5
St. George River Race Clinic
Where: St. George River, Searsmont
When: Friday, March 27, 4:00pm
We'll plan to meet in Searsmont, and the race start location, at 4:00pm. We'll drive the shuttle first, then hit the river. We're looking for experienced paddlers to paddle with, or along side, novices and other paddlers who may not have paddled that river previously. We'll try to provide instruction in whatever aspects of whitewater paddling are necessary--from technique, to reading the water, to safety.
All of the participants in our upcoming race clinics must be members of the American Canoe Association, and sign a waiver. ACA membership options include: a trial member ($10), student member ($25), or full ACA-NE member ($30 individual or $40 family). These memberships provide liability coverage for the hosts of any and all ACA NE events for 2009. These events include: any race clinics we host, the Souadabscook and Marsh Stream Races, the Whitewater Nationals on the Dead River, and the full slate of flatwater Series events, and possibly others, too.
A cheaper option is to pay a $5 event fee, providing liability coverage to the hosts of a single event. If one is likely to attend more than a couple of the events, the other options may end up being cheaper (and they have perks, too, such as a subscription to Paddler magazine).
Necessary forms will be available in Searsmont.
We'll be hosting Passagassawakeag and Kenduskeag Race Clinics, too, with details to be posted in this forum as they emerge. Possibilities likely on the Passy on Sun, March 29 and/or Friday, April 3, and on the Kenduskeag on Friday, April 17.
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Post by clayton on Mar 22, 2009 7:47:58 GMT -5
A bit of clarification on the ACA Paddle America Club insurance program.
Other covered events this year include the Machias River Race on April 26; the Kenduskeag Slalom on May3; and three other slalom races in VT, NY and MA.
Pay one fee for the year and participate in all events.
Here is another bonus for participants: Do you hate filling out waiver forms? At ACA NE events you fill out a waiver form at the first event you attend.....THAT'S IT FOR THE YEAR!
So far no FW race directors have expressed an interest in participating in the program and none are on our ACA NE event schedule- but they are welcome to participate- call or email me.
We can add events as the season progresses with at least a 1 week notice. Race organizers must be ACA members, and must submit an event report with in 10 days of the event.
There is no other charge for the program.
Any other questions please email me.
Clayton
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Post by loganfeeney on Mar 22, 2009 10:37:18 GMT -5
Can the drop at Magog be scouted from the road? I was in the area yesterday, but couldn't seem to find access to the quarry area to have a look...
Also, as a point of clarification for a first-timer, where exactly is the put-in?
Thanks.
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Post by fred on Mar 22, 2009 12:24:01 GMT -5
For years, many of us used to scout the drop from river left, but to do so meant crossing private property. It seems that in recent years, the landowners would rather that people did not cross their property to scout. During the race, I have often seen people on river right at Magog; I don't know how they got there, but there must be a way. Here's the advice I always receive when I ask how to run Magog: "Right down the middle." ;D
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Post by michaelalden on Mar 22, 2009 12:42:02 GMT -5
Hello Fred -
When you refer to the "Magog" - do you mean the rapids just above the Ghent Road bridge?
Or is the Magog drop in the vicinity of the Lime Kiln area?
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Post by fred on Mar 22, 2009 17:49:27 GMT -5
Hi Mike: must be the Kiln area; it's definitely not by the bridge.
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Post by Jeff Owen on Mar 22, 2009 18:25:42 GMT -5
The start is right in the village of Searsmont. There's a parking lot on the North side of the road, right beside the stream.
Magog is the very last drop of the race--at Lime Kiln. Line your boat up nice and straight, and go right down the middle. On Friday, we'll scout it from the water instead of hiking in.
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