Westfield Wildwater Race off and paddling for canoes, kayaks


Update 5 p.m. : Westfield Wildwater race paddlers praise "perfect day"


HUNTINGTON - The Westfield Wildwater Race has something this year that's been in short supply for other runnings of the historic canoe and kayak race: water.

"Last year it was OK. Two years ago it was horrid," said Donald Labbbe of West Springfield who races each year with his uncle, Robert Gore alos of West Springfield. "We ended up just running in the water, carrying our canoe instead of paddling it because it was so o shallow. There was nothing else to do."

But a snowy winter and rainy spring mean the Westfield River truly has wildwater this year, said Ed Smith, chairman of race sponsors the Westfield River Canoe Club. So much water that the Knightville Dam cut back on releasing water Saturday to keep flows as near normal as possible. In past years Knightville has increased its outflow of water to make the race possible.

"We want it to be a safe race," Smith said. "We want it to be a fair race. That means we want the river as near to normal as we can get it."

In pre-race meetings he warned paddlers that much opf the water in the river was snow and ice only recently. So despite the warm, sunny day that water is quite cold.

"If you go ijn that water you'll know it," he said. "And you will have to get out as soon as you can."

There wer about 150 entries before the novices set off at 10 a.m. with more walk-up participants in line to get bibs.

First run 61 years ago in 1953, the Westfield Wildwater Races bills itself as the oldest continuously-conducted whitewater race in the country, Novices race 8 miles, more practiced participants go 12 miles.

For Gore, the the event is as much social as athletic.

"You meet the nicest people paddling on the river," he said. "Everybody is always willing to help each other out. If someone gets hung up or needs help people are willing."

The event draws spectators as well, with people lining the banks near Rout 20, especialy at spots known for spectacular rolling water, to watch races pass by. The races continue all day Saturday, with the expert rae starting at 1:30 p.m.

Check back for more coverage and more photos through the day

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.