Cold temperatures and low water conditions were a given, but what many of the competitors in Saturday's 33rd annual Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic didn't anticipate was the wind.

Nevertheless, despite some of the most challenging elements in the event's history, a record 91 vessels took to the water on the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek. About a dozen stream miles later, all but nine of them finished.

Race Director Randy Bailey, who joined Matt Anthony to compete as a tandem, said the high finish rate was remarkable, given temperatures in the 20s, gusting winds and sections of water where many boats -- especially those with two occupants -- bottomed out.

Perhaps even more gratifying to the organizers was the competitors' satisfaction with the race, despite the obstacles. Most said they'd be back again, which fuels hope that the committee's goal of 100 racers could someday be achieved.

Susan Lewonski from Clifton Heights was cruising along in her kayak when a hard collision with a rock tore off the rudder. Undeterred, she paddled as best she could and hit the finish line in two hours, seven minutes and change.

"I had ice all over me, the wind blew so hard that it hurt and at one point the snow and fog were so thick that I could barely see," Lewonski said. "And what was I thinking? I was thinking how can anyone who is so utterly miserable be having so much fun? I absolutely loved it!"

A handful of racers who toppled into the drink called it quits, but several climbed back aboard and continued downstream.

Mountaineer Search and Rescue had more than a dozen members fanned out along the course to help anyone in distress. Several other volunteers pitched in. Ambulance crews from Emporium and Sinnemahoning were also on duty.

Top awards went to: Holly Reynolds and Jeff Rankinen, fastest canoe (1:38.22); Doug Keiper, fastest kayak (1:55.53); Cole Lee and Scott Lee, Bob Umbenhauer Memorial Canoe Award (1:55.37); Sarah Price and Teresa Stout, fastest female team (2:02.14); Rich Rankinen and Ron Kaiser, Gray Rats (combined age over 100), 1:46.01.