Connecticut boating rules requires all vessels to carry a whistle in case of an emergency.
New Registration Times: 8:30 am to 10:30 at the Powder Hollow Barn located at 32 South Maple St, Enfield CT, directly across from the finish line at the South Maple St Bridge. The entry fee is $30 per participant, benefits the Enfield Food Shelf and covers liability insurance.
Save time and print and fill out your registration forms before the race. All participants will need to fill out a registration form and insurance waiver (available at registration):
All boats should be dropped off prior to registration at 27 Quality Avenue, Somers, CT. Racers should then proceed to the Powder Hollow Barn to register and pick up your bib. Parking is available at the barn or along Dusthouse Rd for all paddling participants. The shuttle bus returns this year to transport paddlers to the start!
Race participants are reminded to dress for conditions and bring warm dry clothes in a dry bag for the take out. Wetsuits, or other appropriate cold weather paddle gear recommended! Wetsuit rentals are available from Enfield Scuba at 169 Elm Street in Enfield, Connecticut· (860) 745-7282 – call or visit them now to reserve
NEW START TIMES:
Mandatory Novice Race Meeting: 10:45 AM
Novice Course Start: 11:00 AM
Mandatory Expert Race Meeting: 11:15 AM
Expert Course Start: 11:30 AM
RACE COURSE
Novice Course – (2.5 Miles) Starting at 11:30 Quality Ave in Somers CT to 2 Leary Road Enfield CT. Novice paddlers will finish on river right prior to Broad Brook Bridge onto 2 Leary Road.
View Pic – Novice takeout on river right of the Scantic River
*See overall map of the takeout
Expert Course
(5 Miles) Starting at Quality Ave in Somers, CT to Powder Hollow Barn in Hazardville. 4 Class II+ Rapids, including the popular finish area. The expert course is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association Downriver Series. For more information go to NECKRA.ORG.
All boaters must wear helmets and PFD. (Bicycle, skateboarding, or whitewater helmets are acceptable)
For anyone considering running the expert course for the first time, here is an excellent video guide of the big 3 rapids from Eric Jones of NECKRA: