Maine 2021 Canoe, Kayak & SUP Race Calendar

April

Saturday, April 13:  53rd Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Kenduskeag Stream, Kenduskeag (Grange Hall)
Details:
Some of the new guidelines for the 2021 race: not more than 150 boats accepted, there are different/staggered race times, must register by April 8th, paddlers pick up bib/sticker/etc. at Bangor Parks & Rec Center April 12-16th, paddlers must be masked until entering the stream, there will be no warming tent at finish line.
Contact: Bangor Parks & Recreation (207) 992-4490, parks.rec@bgrme.org
Website: www.bangorparksandrec.com
Mike’s site for race information, race history, photos, & more: kenduskeagstreamcanoerace.com
Other info: College and High School classes.

Friday, April 30:  Race Prep: Kenduskeag Slalom Setup & Practice
Friday set up: All volunteers welcome and encouraged Friday all day any time
Saturday practice start time: 10:00 am
Location: Kenduskeag Stream, Valley Ave. & Exchange St. (Bangor)
Type: Class II+ WW (2 miles DR combined race Saturday at 4 pm)
Contact: Clayton Cole (207) 944-0856
Email: c1colepaddler@gmail.com
Website: http://nessrace.com/kenduskeag-slalom/  please register early and save $$!
Other info: Hardshell helmets are required.

May

Saturday, May 1: Meduxnekeag
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Houlton
Type: WW, 8 miles
Registration: 8 – 9:30 am ($15 adult, $10 youth)  Change to: Pre-registration is mandatory by calling the Chamber at 207-532-4216 or 694-3414 for a race form, coming into the Chamber at 109 Main St. in Houlton or visiting the website at greaterhoulton.com for a race form. Checks cash or credit cards are accepted for payment. Racers must be at the race briefing at 9:30 to participate. $15 for adults, $10 for children under 18.
Contact: Jane Torres (207) 532-4216 director@greaterhoulton.com or Peter Blood (207) 532-2577
Other info: Pre-register by 4/29 and get a free T-shirt.
DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH: Take Exit # 291 (formerly # 61) off 95; bear right at exit; turn right at Cameron’s Market (which will be on your right approx 5 miles from exit). Race start is on left, approx 1 mile from market.
FROM THE NORTH: From Route # 1, take right at third set of lights at the Lincoln Agency (Route 2). Turn left at Cameron’s Market, which will be on your left in approx 5.3 miles. Race start is on left, approx 1 mile from market. 

Saturday, May 1:  Sandy River Canoe/Kayak Race & Fun Paddle, Farmington
Start Time 12:30PM At Strong Legion Field
*Any tandem canoe holding 2 persons currently enrolled in College may compete for the Toner Cup in honor of James (Jim) Toner
Location: Starts at the American Legion at the intersection of Rt. 4 and 145 in Strong, ending at the Little League ballfield in Fairbanks on Rt. 4.
Type: Flatwater with some Class 1 & 2 WW. 10 miles.
Registration: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.  $20 adults.   
Masks required./ Limit of 40 paddlers.
Click here to register online.
Contact: UMF (207) 778-7494. Registration form: Click here. or email Andrew Willihan andrew.willihan@maine.edu

Saturday & Sunday, May 1-2: Kenduskeag Slalom
Saturday, 4:00 pm: Special class offered at this race: Combined Class. Show off your downriver paddling. Race starts at Bulls Eye Bridge, Finish below Shopping Cart hole. Use the same boat Sunday, and pair the better of two slalom runs with your DR time. Special awards for the fastest DR and Slalom Combined class. 2.5-mi WW
Sunday, 9am:  Slalom competition starts, including combined runs
Location: Kenduskeag Stream, Valley Ave. & Exchange St. (Bangor)
Type: Class II+ WW
Point Series: NE Slalom Series
Website: http://nessrace.com/kenduskeag-slalom/  please register early and save money!
Registration: $15 1st race, $10 2nd & 3rd. Registration is accepted April 1-30 via mail; late registration $25 possible on Saturday, May 2 by 2 pm
Contact: Clayton Cole (207) 285-7356 eves, (207) 285-7886 days, c1cole@roadrunner.com
Other info: Hardshell helmets are required. This is the only slalom race in Maine. Race benefits charity.
Help is needed all day Friday to set up the course.

Saturday, May 15: Aroostook River Spring Runoff Canoe and Kayak Race
Time:  Race Briefing 9:30 am, race begins 10:00 AM
Location:  Lower Lyndon Street Boat Launch, Caribou
Type:  Flatwater, 6 Miles
Race Fee:  $20 per paddler 19 and over, $10 per paddler 18 and under
Other:  First 75 participants will receive a t-shirt.  Shuttles provided at completion of race back to start. Awards immediately following at Forbes Pit
Contact: Neal Sleeper, Caribou Parks & Rec, 207-493-4224.  sleeper@cariboumaine.org 

Saturday, May 15: Sebec River
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Sebec Village.
Type: WW 7.5 miles
Registration: 8:30 am in Sebec Village Reading Room. $20, T-shirts with registration
Contact: Bobby Ellison (207) 279-0481(c)  (207) 943-2317(h) tanyaellison3@yahoo.com

Saturday, May 16: Race: Union River
Time: High Noon, May 16
Location: Union River, Grand Lake Dam to Ellsworth town dock
Type: WW–4.5-mile recreational race, one portage. Mass start.
Registration: 10:00-11:30 am at the Graham Lake Dam on rt 180 (Mariaville Rd). $20 (or $15 with ACA membership).
Contact: Angus Deighan (207) 570-6695, anguswilliamdeighan@gmail.com
Other info: Helmets Required
Not sure about the traditional mussel feed and potluck.  Maybe bring food and drink to share in your small group
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening

Sunday, May 16:  39th Annual Madawaska River Run
Location: Stockholm. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at the bridge on Little Madawaska Lake Road in Westmanland. Race start: 11:00 a.m. Race ends at Stockholm American Legion. Cost: $15/watercraft; includes one t-shirt. $12/extra t-shirt. Visit www.facebook.com/StockholmLegion136

Saturday, May 29:  Race: Lincoln Snowhounds River Race
Time:  7:30 am
Type:  FW, 13 miles
Registration:  Registration opens at 8am. Start is at Winn Boat Landing; Finish is at South Lincoln Boat Landing.  Pre-registration — $20.00.  Registration — $30.00 on the day of the race.
Contact:  Rob Thornton  robthornton87@gmail.com  (207) 290-2560
Race information/flyer:  https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-Snowhounds-Snowmobile-Club-335054495316/ 

June

Saturday, June 5:  Race: Moose River Race
Time:  11:00 am
Type:  FW, 8 miles
Registration:  Registration opens at 8am. $15.00, or $10.00 if postmarked by June 4.
Contact:  TBA
Online reservation form:  http://www.rockwoodonmoosehead.org/images/moose-river-canoe-kayak-race.pdf
Race map:  http://www.rockwoodonmoosehead.org/images/moose-river-race-map.jpg
Helmets required for kayaks.

Saturday, June 12:  Race: Bashabez Run Canoe and Kayak Race, Penobscot River
Time:  12:30 pm
Location: Starts on the north end of Indian Island on Cemetery St, above Joe Peas Rips. Finish at the Brewer Riverside Park.
Type: WW. 15.5 mi. Class 2-3, mostly fast-moving smooth water. For intermediate to advanced canoes and kayaks. One portage at Milford Dam, Old Town Side.
Registration: 10:00 am to noon at Start. The standard array of WW classes will be offered.
Contact: John Neptune (207) 659-3490,  john.neptune@penobscotnation.org
Other info: Historical flow for June is 4,000-6,000 cfs, but could be higher depending on rainfall.

Race times are expected to be 2 to 3 hours for most, and will coincide with an outgoing tide at the finish.  (High tide on race day is at 10:04am.)  The width of the river will allow paddlers to choose from a number of possible routes rewarding those with good river reading skills. This stretch of the Penobscot is 200-300 yds wide with three or four rapids and long stretches of shallow, moving current.  The start will call attention to the important role played by the Penobscot Nation on the Penobscot River and in the River Restoration. The portage calls attention to the remaining dam and the remarkable change in the river downstream to tidewater in Bangor with the removal of Great Works and Veazie Dams. The finish will highlight the history of recreational salmon fishing on the Penobscot.
Awards Ceremony at the Finish.
Helmets required.
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening

Hosted by Team Penobscot:  All proceeds from this race will go towards sending Team Penobscot’s youth to the 2019 North American Indigenous Games.

Saturday, June 12: Grand Isle Canoe/Kayak Race
Time:  10:00 am
Type:  FW, 10 miles.
Registration:  8:00 am at the Madawaska Boat Landing (behind Central Hardware); $15 per adult and $10 per youth (between 16-10 years of age)
Contact:  (207) 895-3311, Grand Isle General Store

July

Saturday, July 3:  Sebec Lake
Time: Roughly 10:30 am (usually a “short time” after the parade)
Location: Sebec Village
Type: FW—short 4 mile rec course, longer 8 mile race course
Registration: $10-$15 near the bridge
Contact: Peter Wright
Website: http://www.trcmaine.org/sebec4th
Other info: 5k road race at 8 am, parade at 9, canoe/kayak race at 10:30, bbq 11:30 -1:30.

Sunday, July 4:  Sheepscot River
Time: 12:45 Racing category; 1:00 for others
Location: Newcastle (Marsh River) to Downtown Wiscasset–  Flat Water with tidal push.
Type: FW- 6mi
Registration: Must preregister. Call or email for # and starting time.   No fee.  Must provide own shuttle.
Contact: Scott Shea, 751-3450, email: info@seaspraykayaking.com
Other info: Race dedicated to longtime race participant, paddler and friend, Earl Baldwin. Sponsored by Seaspray Kayaking, Epic Paddles and local businesses 

Thursday, July 8Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

Sunday, July 11:  Pushaw Lake FW Race 
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Lakeside Landing, Sandy Beach, Glenburn
Type: FW—8 miles, 3 miles
Registration: pre-registration preferred. Covid 19 safety measures in effect.
Contact: Dan Baumert 207 951-4711 Email: djbaumert123@gmail.com                                                                            Hosted by the Town of Glenburn and the Pushaw Lake Association.  | Race Course Map
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening | Registration form 2020 | Race Information

Thursday, July 15:  Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

Thursday, July 22: Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

Saturday, July 24:  Maine Flatwater Championship:  Penobscot River, Old Town, Me.
Time:  10 am, Flatwater 6 mile short course, 12-mile long course
General Information | Map of Course |
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening | 2020 Registration Form
Contact:  Dan Baumer 207 951-4711C  207-884-8052 H  email: djbaumert123@gmail.com

Thursday, July 29: Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

August

Thursday, August 5: Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

Thursday, August 12: Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

Thursday, August 19:  Orono Paddlers Thursday Evening Community Paddling Events
Location: Brownie’s Park, on the Stillwater River in Orono
Description: Evenings of relaxed and informal family-friendly paddling fun. A racecourse is established for anyone wanting to paddle competitively, and options exist for non-racing recreational paddling fun right there at the park.
Time: Show up at 6 pm. 6:15 pm start for traditional racecourse. Ongoing paddling at the park throughout the evening.
Cost: No registration or fees, though donations to Orono Paddlers are encouraged.
Other: Social distancing required. Everyone must supply their own boats and equipment, and no big boats will be available until further notice. Racers will be encouraged to time themselves and record those times on an available form. Events will continue every Thursday evening through July and August, possibly even into September. Updates and cancellation notices to be posted on the Orono Paddlers Facebook page.

Saturday, August 21Tour de Verona, Verona Island Boat Launch, Verona Island
Time: 10 am; flatwater 11-12 miles, high wind exposure
Registration: 9 am $10 per paddler, 16 & under free
Contact:  Dan Baumert 207 951-4711C  207-884-8052 H  email: djbaumert123@gmail.com
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening

September

Saturday, September 11Paddle Event/Fundraiser; details not confirmed
Champion the Cure Challenge:  A ‘fun’ paddle event to raise donations for cancer care and research
Time: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Registration Fees: Adults 18 and up $25, Children $15 [must be accompanied by an adult].  Participants are encouraged to solicit pledges from friends, family and business for this worthy cause.
Location: Penobscot River Brewer.  Courses of varying length to suit all participants.
More details to follow.
Participants: An estimated 100 participants will take part in a paddle with kayak or canoe.

Saturday, September 11:  Saco River
Location:  Mechanics Park.  Long race starts just below the falls on main street to the entrance of Saco Bay, Camp Ellis (4 miles out and 4 miles back).  The 4 mile race would just go half way out and back.
Type: FW & tidal, 4mi & 8mi
For more information see their Facebook site.
Contact: Other info: In conjunction with the River Jam event Biddeford and Saco

Saturday, September 18:  Ebb Tide Marathon
Time: 11 am (Note time change due to tides)
Location: Brewer river small boat access area, just South of Joshua Chamberlain Bridge
Type: FW—11 miles from the Brewer river access to Orrington
Fill out the registration and email to  djbaumert123@gmail.com or just send Dan an email that you plan on coming. Day of registration will be available.
Registration: 11:30  am, race fee free-will donation;
Contact:  Dan Baumert 207 951-4711C  207-884-8052 H  email: djbaumert123@gmail.com

Sunday, September 19th:  St. George and Oyster River tidal race.
Time:  1pm
Location:  public boat launch in Thomaston.
Type: FW, 5 or 10 miles.   Short course is 5 miles round trip, up to Route 1 bridge and back to public boat launch in Thomaston. Long course is 10 miles, 2 1/2 to route 1 bridge then up the Oyster River for 2 1/2 miles, then back to boat launch.
Registration: 12 noon, by donation.
Contact:  Aili Hartiika – 207 735-5012 or ailih186@gmail.com
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening

October

Saturday, October 9:  Muskrat Scramble
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Brewer Lake Road, Orrington, Sedgeunkedunk Stream, Orrington
Out and back course starting at dam just beyond Bob’s Kozy Korner store on Brewer Lake Road in Orrington, which is at intersection with Johnson Mill Road. About 4 miles on Sedgeunkedunk Stream.
Type: FW. Winding with no rapids and negligible current. Racers’ choice of 2.5-mi or 4.5-mi race.
Registration: No entry fee, beginners welcomed, modest prizes given.
Contact: Larry Merril  lawmerr@gmail.com
This is a fun late-season race that gives paddlers one last chance to race before winter sets in.
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening

Sunday, October 10:  War Canoe Race
Time: 12:00 Noon
This is a fun end-of-season event!
The race starts at 12 PM, please arrive and sign up by 11:30.
Paddlers are assigned randomly* to one of 4-6 boats with 8-12 paddlers/boat.
$25 fee includes a pint glass and all you can eat post race BBQ at Atlantic Brewing; proceeds benefit a local cancer charity.
Fun Belt sander races too!
Registration Forms:  The race director asks that you print, fill in, and bring to the race:
Registration form | ACA Adult Waiver | ACA Child Waiver | Covid Waiver | Pre-Event Health Screening

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