St. George paddlers need rain

The governor may have issued a flood advisory because of melting snow and in anticipation of this weekend’s expected rain, but more water and precipitation couldn’t come at a better time for Dale Cross and the rest of the paddlers who are set to compete in Saturday’s St. George River Race in Searsmont.

The river is finally ice-free, but water levels are lower than normal. Luckily, rain and snow expected to start Friday and continue into Saturday will help bulk up the river.

“The weather hasn’t helped,” said Cross, executive director of the Waldo County YMCA in Belfast and the race director. “I think with the rain coming we’ll finally be at a decent level.”

Now in its 23rd year, the race will again feature 19 classes. Cross said he’s expecting around 100 craft; 49 are preregistered. Last year’s race drew paddlers from five states.

The race starts at 11 a.m. with registration from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Searsmont Town Hall on Route 131 in Searsmont.

The six-mile course consists of three miles of dead water, then one mile of rapids, and two miles of dead water and curves with one Class III drop. The water level should be enough for Class II-III rapids.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class.

Cross said he’s expecting some of the top racers in the state and familiar faces for the St. George, which traditionally kicks off the racing season. One of the most competitive classes is the two-man open canoe recreational class.

Top paddling duos like Cliff Littlefield and Danny Doolan, J.D. Burke and Chris Bartlett, and Clayton Cole and Paul Cole are expected Saturday.

“The recreational classes have become very, very competitive over the last few years,” Cross said. “They’re always exciting. They’re the ones to pay attention to.”

Jeff Sands of Kenduskeag, who was last year’s overall winner, Ken Cushman of Hampden and Houlton’s Fred Ludwig will continue their long kayak rivalry.

And Cross will race with his son Aaron.

The racing season will continue April 7 with the Passagassawaukeag River Race, which starts in Waldo, and April 8 with the Marsh Stream River Race, which starts at the Winterport/Frankfort town line.

For more information, contact the Waldo County YMCA at 338-4598 or through its web site at www.waldocountyymca.com.