EMPORIUM — The 43rd Annual Cameron County Canoe & Kayak Classic, delayed a week by high water, was held Saturday on the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek.
The start time was pushed back by one hour Saturday to allow for early-morning cold temperatures, which hovered around freezing, to rise. Paddlers were sent down the creek beginning just a few minutes after noon.
“It’s been a trying couple weeks, but we are here, ready to go,” said race organizer Randy Bailey. “The weather is pretty nice and the water level couldn’t be better.”
Temperatures were in the upper 40s and low 50s, but a cold wind blew through the valleys throughout the event. The sun was out, making weather nice for paddling, but not so nice for those individuals whose canoes capsized during the event. Several rough spots made for difficult paddling, and emergency services personnel were kept busy helping participants out of the water and retrieving empty canoes.
Safety is a big concern for organizers, and emergency responders are posted all along the race course to lend a hand to anyone having issues during the event. Spotters are also set up in a number of locations, to check bib numbers and make sure everyone has made it to the next checkpoint.
Individuals pulled from the water were checked for hypothermia and injuries, and several ambulances were on scene throughout the race to ensure quick transport, if needed.
Participation was down slightly from typical years, likely due to the date change and questionable water conditions leading up to the race. Only 78 boats entered the water for the race; in other years, the numbers are typically over 100.
On the day prior to when the race was originally scheduled, the flow rate was deemed too high. In other high-water years, the lake behind the George B. Stevenson Dam at Sinnemahoning State Park was used for the race, but an ongoing dredging project negated that option.
Bailey was forced to cancel the race. Water levels on the Driftwood Branch can change rapidly in the springtime, and heavy rains saw flow rates hit over 4,500 cubic feet per second on the morning of the race. Optimal levels are between 900 and 1400 cfs.
More rain this week saw levels rise again early Friday morning, but the river crested at just over 2,000 cfs and began to drop off again. On Saturday morning, the river was at the high-end of the optimal range.
The 12-mile Cameron County Canoe & Kayak Classic is held annually in early April on the Driftwood Branch. Canoes launch from the boat launch near the Emporium Country Club and travel to the Borough of Driftwood. More information is available on the canoeclassic.org website.
