CANOE, KAYAK CLASSIC PLANNED APRIL 5
Event founders to participate in 34th annual 'Classic'
By James Moate Endeavor News

The Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic is planned April 5. Organizer Randy Bailey stopped by to show us one of the paddle plaques that will be awarded as prizes. We posed Bailey in front of the swollen Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning River where the race will take place. Hard rain cleared the mountains of the snow that fuels good water during April's thaw. James Moate photo

Eight of the 16 original participants in the first Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic held in 1975 are expected to participate in this year's event, scheduled April 15 on the waters of the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning River.

Organizer Randy Bailey said the group will be recognized before paddlers push off at around noon near the Emporium Country Club. If conditions are right, some of the founders may even get in a boat, Bailey said.

What started as a race among friends, has turned into one of the state's more well-known paddling events.

Last year, 88 vessels took to the water and with upgrades made in the registration process, even more boats are expected to be entered this year.

"The conditions were terrible last year and we still had 88 boats," Bailey said, noting that the race-time temperature was 26 degrees. "I know a lot of people didn't make the trip because they knew the water was real low and the weather was lousy."

In addition to increased paddler participation, Bailey said more and more businesses and organizations have jumped on board to help sponsor the event.

That falls into his goal for the event well.

"I have been focusing on making this an event for the community and families to enjoy," he explained. "You're always going to have your hardcore paddlers, but we'd like this event to include novice paddlers and people who want to be out there just for fun."

To that end, eight additional divisions have been added to lure more recreational paddlers, particularly young ones.

"A lot of changes have been made to gear the Classic more towards families and youth," said Bailey. "It's good to see young people come out and get on the water. They might not all stick with it, but it's great to see them come out and give it a try and see if they like it.:

Bailey said a 13-year-old girl inspired everyone last year

"She got out of her boat at the finish line and her face was completely covered with ice," he said. "It was amazing to see how much she enjoyed the race and how dedicated she was."

For those that would like to enter but don't have a vessel, Boy Scout Troop #551 will be offering recreational canoes and Rock, River and Trails of Lock Haven will have kayaks available. In order to use a canoe or a kayak, all they ask is for a small donation to cover wear and tear on the equipment.

The course is an 11-mile stretch down the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Registration is held at the Emporium Country Club, near the starting line, from 8:30 to 11:30 am on the morning of the event.

A breakfast will be held before registration at the Emporium Firehall.

The awards ceremony and a spaghetti dinner will be held at the Emporium Firehall immediately following the conclusion of the race.

Many of the grand prizes will consist of framed artwork and photography created by local artisans. 'Trophies,' wooden, paddle plaques that have been hand-made locally, will be presented to category winners as well as all youth paddlers.

In addition to race-day registration, paddlers can also log onto www.eteamz.com/ canoeclassic, download the registration form and send it in or bring it with them to the race.

This year's Classic will once again be one of the legs of the Pa. Triple Crown Award. Those who participate in the Cameron County event, the Loyalsock Flatwater Challenge in Williamsport and the Tiadaghton Elm Canoe and Kayak Classic in Jersey Shore will receive a reward. For more information, contact Bailey at 546-2011.