Event:  30th Annual Hockanum River Canoe & Kayak Race

Date:  Sunday April 6, 2008 - Rain or Shine!

Registration:  9:00 - 10:30 AM      First Boat Off:  11:00 AM 

Fee:  $10.00 per paddler

Start:  Quality Inn, Route 83, Vernon, CT

Finish:  Shopping Plaza by McDonalds, 1227 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT

Sponsored by:  Eighth District Fire Department, Hockanum River Linear Park Committee, Manchester Conservation Commission, Bears Amateur Radio Club, Quality Inn & Golfland, Eastern Mountain Sports, and Vernon Subway.

Event Description:  The Hockanum River Canoe Race will be Sunday, April 6, 2008.  The annual race is open to any paddlers who wish to enjoy chilly water and thrilling rapids on a very winding 7 mile course through Manchester, CT.  Folks of all ages came out for a fun day on the river.  The race is sponsored in part by the Hockanum River Linear Park Committee, which is a watershed partner with the North Central Conservation District. 

For information:  Contact Andy McKenzie at 860-803-3700 or kahtadin80@yahoo.com.

Join us this year!             

Help us publicize the event - click the link below for a flyer!

2008 Hockanum River Canoe Race

 

Race Details:  There is one mandatory portage around the Union Pond Dam at the southwest corner of the Union Pond section of the river.  This is a timed race with boats going off at about 30 second to 1 minute intervals.  There are 16 different categories of canoes and kayaks depending on sizes and designs of boats, numbers of paddlers, ages, etc. and there is an award for each category. 

Each paddler must wear an approved personal floatation device and must bring a length of line to attach to his or her boat.  Wetsuits are recommended due to the cold water in the river.  Getting wet is almost totally unavoidable.  The average length of the race averages from just over 1 hour for experts to over 1 and 1/2 hours.  The race offers a challenging course of class 1 and 2 white water.  Novice boaters with no experience in canoes or kayaks are urged NOT to enter this race due to class 2 rapids behind Beacon Light off Oakland Street. 

Andy McKenzie is Race Chairman, and has had the job since 2004.  The first race was held in April 1977 and F. Lee Watkins was director for 13 years.  John Scoville ran the race from 1990 through 2003.  Andy will give detailed instructions before the race starts regarding course and various hazards.  Hockanum Tee shirts will be given to all race entrants and race results will be announced shortly after the race concludes.

Several local volunteer groups assist to make the race safe and successful.  The Manchester Eighth District Fire Department monitors the course through the rapids with staff in wetsuits, has a rescue boat on Union Pond, and supervises portage at Union Pond Dam.  The BEARS Amateur Radio Club of Manchester stations members at various key spots along the river for safety and communication to staff at the race finish.  Other supporters of the race include the Quality Inn, the host property owner for many years, Beacon Light and Supply, where a large group of spectators gather to watch boats navigate the rapids, H.J. Contractors and McDonalds where the race ends.