While the Whitewater Savings and Loan investigation continues in Washington, Maine canoeists will be challenging another kind of whitewater in April.

The action begins Saturday, April 2, with the 16th annual St. George River Race. Starting at 11 a.m. in Searsmont, the 6-mile race may feature up to 100 canoes this year, according to Belfast YMCA manager Sandy Cameron. Cameron said the race was moved back a week this year in hopes of better weather.

“We’re expecting a really good race because of all the runoff,” Cameron said. “The snow is melting early this year.”

One week later, the Belfast YMCA will sponsor the 22nd annual Passagassawaukeag River Race, beginning 11 a.m. at the Littlefield farm in Waldo. According to Cameron, the Passagassawaukeag is the flatter of the two and will require a lot of paddling over the 7 1/2-mile course.

Registration for both races costs $10 per person. Canoeists may register from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the race site or through the Belfast YMCA in advance. Both races feature 16 classes for expert and recreational canoeists.

More canoeing action will take place Sunday, April 10, with the 18th annual Souadabscook Stream race, beginning at noon. Pre-registration isfor the 7 1/2-mile race, with an entry deadline of April. The Kathadin Area Council of the Boy Scouts is the sponsor.

Registration is $15 from 9 to 11 a.m. on the day of the race at Vafiades Landing on the Bog Road in Hampden. It will feature 18 kayak and canoe classes.

Saturday, April 16, features the granddaddy of canoe races in Maine, the 28th annual Kenduskeag Stream canoe race. Approximately 1,500 people in 750 boats are expected to take part in the 16-mile event, according to Craig Orff of the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department.

Although the Kenduskeag is one of the most highly regarded canoe races in New England, it is not just for accomplished canoeists.

“The majority of people who participate are recreational canoeists,” Orff said. Over 20 classes will be open to canoeists and kayakers this year.

Pre-registration is $12 per person at the Bangor Parks and Recreation Office until Friday, April 15. On-site registration is $20 per person from 7 to 9 a.m. in Kenduskeag. The race starts at 9:30 a.m.