Stream Level Predictions And News

Predicting the stream levels of the Kenduskeag on race day is something of a pastime among veteran paddlers.

Seasoned paddler Ray Wirth of Belfast weighs in with his thoughts on the stream conditions for the 2016 race.

Weather forecast for race day? Sunny in the mid to high 50s. In other news, the Kenduskeag race committee has completed its final meeting ahead of the race. All systems are go!

UPDATE: two short news items from WABI-TV5 and WLBZ, respectively:
"Stream levels look good for everyone". (WABI video / WLBZ video)

Water Levels, Weather & Preregistration

How is the water level looking this year? In a nutshell: not bad and certainly better than last year.

It would be nice to have some steady rains ahead of this Saturday, but that doesn't appear to be in the cards according to WLBZ.

Still, at 5+ ft. of water and a flow a bit under 600 cfs (according to current readings from the USGS stream gauge), the 47th Kenduskeag looks to be a fun race for paddlers! There are reports of a few bony spots here and there, but nothing out of the norm.

I am out of town at the moment and so I do not have any photos of the stream to share here, but if you happen to have any digital snaps of the stream (Six Mile Falls, Valley Stream, Shopping Cart, etc.) by all means feel free to share them. The Kenduskeag Facebook Page would be an ideal place to post your pics!

Last but certainly not least, you have until this Friday at 1pm to preregister for the Kenduskeag. Preregistration is HIGHLY recommended - it saves you time and money. See the Bangor Parks & Rec page for more info.

2010 Stream Report - Coming Soon

I should have the full stream report for 2010 posted here by tomorrow evening. Look for thoughts on water levels, possible lines of approach to some of the trickier areas, and more.

Also, if you're a beginner at paddling or if this is your first ever canoe race, there will be a free paddling "clinic" held on the Kenduskeag this Thursday at 4pm.

You'll start at Six Mile Falls and head to town from there (no need to paddle the first 10 miles of the race as it is mostly flatwater).

This is a very nice arrangement offered by the Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Organization (MaCKRO). Paddle at your own pace and at your own comfort level alongside veteran paddlers who really know their stuff. Ask questions! It's all about making you feel safe and confident on the water so that you can learn to make the right choices while enjoying the race.

Shuttles for you and your boat will be provided; I will post more details about all of this (along with the stream report) tomorrow!

Race Day Weather Lookin' Good

The weather forecast for race day is "nice with sunshine and patchy clouds, high: 60 degrees". Maybe Old Man Winter is finally taking a hint. Should be a GREAT day for paddling.

Pat Davis sent in a couple snapshots of Six Mile Falls today.
Thanks, Pat!
(Click photos to enlarge).

Springtime in Maine (UPDATED)

Rain, sleet & snow today. I couldn't be happier. People in town are giving me strange looks when I tell them how great it is that we're having this weather. We need all the water we can get for April 15th.

UPDATE 4/5/06: I went by Six Mile Falls today. The stream was noticeably higher than it was just a few days ago. The rain and snow seemed to help things a bit. Given a few more days like that, I would think that we'll be good to go!

If you were part of the Gumby race crew last year, you will find your smiling faces...well, not on the cover of the Rolling Stone, but at least in the pages of the April issue of Bangor Metro magazine. It's in stores now.

Lover's Leap - 03/02/06

Beautiful snowy day in Bangor - just had to get outside with the Nikon. Cabin fever and whatnot.
Here you can see that the Kenduskeag Stream hasn't completely frozen over as in previous years. Lover's Leap is visible in the background.