WALDO – This time last year, things were a bit off for local canoeists and kayakers. With the Passagassawaukeag river iced in on the traditional weekend of the race, competitors instead paddled the St. George River in Searsmont.

And Kenny Cushman, one of the area’s top paddlers, wasn’t even in the race because of some health problems.

On Saturday, paddlers returned to the Passy. So did Cushman. And all was right in the paddling world.

Kenduskeag resident Cushman had the top time in the 2002 Passagassawaukeag River Race, holding off Fred Ludwig and Jeff Sands and continuing the good-natured rivalry between the three kayakers.

“Third place again, huh?” Sands joked as he received his award for finishing behind Cushman and Ludwig, which he did last week in the St. George. Don’t feel too bad for the Bangor resident, though – he has earned his share of racing honors.

Although low water was a concern last week, conditions on the nine-mile course were fine, likely thanks to rain last weekend and midweek. Even the weather, which was predicted to be rainy or snowy, seemed to cooperate with bright sunny skies and a chilly wind.

The sun and blue skies drew plenty of spectators, who watched the start and then headed to Rolerson’s Rapids, a popular spot at a bend in the stream.

Ninety-one canoes and kayaks completed the race.

Cushman finished in 39 minutes, 26 seconds. Ludwig was just 57 seconds behind him, and Sands came in 14 seconds after Ludwig.

“I just tried to plug away,” said Cushman, who is 32. “I usually try to push it in the white-water and pick up some speed there. Other than that I just tried to push through. I wasn’t feeling that great today.”

Cushman said he has returned to the early spring racing circuit for a few reasons, including the fact that the U.S. flatwater championships will be held in New Hampshire this year. He also got married recently, and has dealt with some heart problems in the last few years.

He did just two races last year.

“I just felt like getting back into it,” Cushman said. “My back bothers me and it’s the only thing I can do that doesn’t bother me. … I thought maybe I’d get back into shape for [the championships], but I’m not in the shape I used to be, that’s for sure.”

Ludwig said he and Sands are often close to each in times and finishes, but they know if Cushman is in the race, he’s the man to beat, health issues or not.

“It’s very good competition, really close races,” said Ludwig, who is from Houlton. “We expect Kenny to win every time. Last year Jeff beat me in two races and this year I’ve beaten him twice. But we’re always within a few seconds and that’s what makes it fun. You never know who’s going to win. Except for Kenny. We know he’s going to win.”

Ludwig said Cushman even stopped about 10 minutes into the race to throw some equipment to the shore.

“He lost 15 seconds right there but he knew he could take that break and still be ahead of us,” Ludwig said with a smile. “He’s that good.”

Husband-and-wife team Barry and Lori Dana of Solon had the top canoe time of 43:07. They were 30 seconds ahead of brothers Clayton Cole of Corinth and Paul Cole of Groveland, Mass.

Lori Dana said the lower water level was noticeable for some boats.

“It made the turns a lot pushier,” she said. “There were times when we had some miscommunication about where to go. When you start a long boat going one way, the current from behind is pushing on that stern, helping you, and then all of a sudden you need want to go [the other way], it takes a lot of extra work.”

The Danas have typically entered the male-female category. They’re trying a new approach this year, racing in the two-male group to get ready for the white-water national championships this summer.