The 32nd annual St. George River Race will be held Saturday, March 26, starting at 11:00 a.m. Kayakers and canoeists will race along the roughly 6 miles of water from Searsmont Village to Appleton (Route 105). The race features Class II and III rapids—and freezing-cold conditions!

Registration: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Cost: $20 per paddler

Race Location: Searsmont Methodist Church, Route 131, Searsmont

Course Details:

Race starts at St. George Bridge in Searsmont Village. Three miles of dead water, 1 mile of rapids, 2 miles of dead water and curves with one Class III drop. This race has Class II – III rapids (plus or minus depending on the water level.)

The 38th annual Passie River Race on the Passagassawakeag River will be held Saturday, April 2, also at 11:00 am.

Registration: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Cost: $20 per paddler

Race Location: Savage Road, Littlefield Farm in Waldo, Maine

Course Details:

Race starts at the Littlefield Farm. The first mile is flatwater with many curves. Course passes under a cement bridge to another mile of flat water followed by a short stretch of Class II rapids. A 2-mile stretch of flat water to the Rolerson’s bridge, then Class I, II and III whitewater for a mile and a half, leading to a flatwater stretch to the finish.

For more information or to register for either race:

For gear or advice on cold-water paddling:

Videos:

The St. George River Canoe Race (2009) is an annual event in Searsmont, Maine. This video is both a documentary as well as sports video production by Ned Lightner who is the lead videographer at Insight Video Production of Belfast, Maine

Some footage of the Passic River Race (2008).

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