BANGOR, Maine — Large crowds cheered on 740 paddlers as they navigated the 16.5-mile course of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, which returned for the 57th time on Saturday.
The weather was raw and cold and paddlers contented with lower water levels and the usual rapids. Despite this, the mood of many was undimmed.
"It's type two fun," Michael Lowry, a canoeist said Saturday. "A little bit miserable, but you do it for the experience."
Many in the viewing audience for the event focused their attention on the notorious Six Mile Falls section of the course, which saw many canoes and kayaks capsize or land up pinned in a group by a protruding rock in the middle of the stream. But while the frigid water spilled into hull after hull, the good humor of the event was not lost.
After taking on water, David King and his family—dressed as pirates—greeted the soaking head-on. "We can fall all the time now. We’re all set, we’re wet," King said.
While fun was no doubt the main focus for many, the race offered a serious challenge for seasoned competitors.
"It starts with being mentally tough," Chris Corey said. He credits this race with getting him "hooked" on the canoeing years ago. "You fall out and go for a swim in cold April water, and then you get back in."
After resting his boat on shore, another feeling greeted Corey. "It’s a little bit sad when you end and you’re like 'aw I gotta wait another year to do this.'"
This story will be updated as full results from the 57th Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race become available.