Spring Recap 2024
This one will be short. Let’s just get right to it.
A WARM START TO THE YEAR
The “winter” of 2024 was fickle one. And while for skiing that was a bad thing, it made for quite a few opportunities to boat throughout. January provided several days of relatively warm and wet weather with rivers flushing ice to allow for some mid-winter paddling. With the arrival of February things quieted down. Unfortunately snowfall was limited in this period, so the spring snowpack saw little improvement. Once March rolled around, the boating season began in earnest, with the majority of the spring flow findings its way to the rivers over the course of the month. April – typically the peak of the season – turned out to be rather subdued, with low flows throughout, save for one week in the middle of the month, which saw some solid flows (including a high water New Haven Race). By the time the enjoyable weather of May arrived, the snowpack had been spent, and with little precipitation, what is often considered a favorite month to paddle, options were whittled down to the low water standbys. And just when it began to look like Vermont might be entering another drought cycle, June arrived providing several nicely timed rain events to allow for some warm weather boating.
DOWN RIVER RACES
Arguably the highlight of spring were the three races put on across the state – The New Haven Race, The Peavine Race and the Wells River Rumble.
The New Haven Race
The New Haven Race may be best summarized from this email to race participants.
“We wanted to send a quick thank you to all who came out and took on the 2024 New Haven Ledges Race. Water was high, nerves were high, and so we
applaud everyone who decided to suit up and participate, as well as those who decided to wait until next year. Both can be tough decisions to make.
In the end, we had 30 racers put down some impressive laps. You all did a fantastic job of ensuring safety and supporting each other on the river. This event would not be the success it is without everybody pitching in.
This year, Bob Frederick became the first boater to go back-to-back, following up last year’s win with another top finish and a final time of 2:21. Julian Diamond finished only three seconds behind to take 2nd, while Mike Mainer and Justin Schmale tied for 3rd. The champion of the women’s class was Ellie Friedmann with two impressive laps.
Full results have been posted at
https://creekvt.com/races/newhavenrace#results-section.
We also have to give a huge shout out to our sponsors who came through with some amazing prizes this year. Outdoor New England – ONE provided incredible 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes including a brand new Jackson Gnarvana, Astral Rescue Vest, and IR sprayskirt. NRS also showed up big with a brand new Gore-Tex Drysuit going to the female champion, and another being raffled off. We also had support from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters Immersion Research and Werner Paddles. These are great companies; they support these events and the community, so be sure to support them.
Now get out there and enjoy the rest of the spring. We look forward to seeing you all around the Northeast, and back for another round in 2025. Will Bob Frederick F threepeat, or will there be a new challenger for the crown?”
The Peavine Race
After two excellent years of the Peavine Race – the word was out. With over 50 participants the 2024 event, was by all accounts, a big hit.
A recap from the organizers sums it up best:
“Whitewater enthusiasts from our region plus at least six states and one province converged on Stockbridge VT last Saturday to compete in the 3rd Annual Peavine Whitewater Race. 56 racers were treated to spectacular spring weather as they navigated the five miles of rapids between Ted Green Ford and Gaysville bridge in various types of canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards. Ten women competed across the various categories, while turnout in the youth and masters classes was strong with 10 paddlers under 18 years, and 6 paddlers over 60 years, respectively. Safety boaters patrolled the toughest rapids during the race while volunteers handled registration, shuttling, timing, and food responsibilities. Mark Nicholson of Bethel generously provided access to his property off Route 107 for post-race food and awards. The event is organized and hosted by the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective (ridgelineoutdoorcollective.org) and benefits their outdoor recreation mission in the area. Full results and race information can be found at http://creekvt.com/races/peavinerace. The 4th Annual PWR is planned for May 3, 2025.”
Wells River Rumble
Thanks to a motivated Richard Lytle (Dartmouth 2024), April saw the return of the popular Wells River Rumble – back after a long hiatus (the prior rumble was pre-covid). Nice levels, a solid field of competitors and great prizes (seriously Outdoor New England outdid themselves this spring) meant a great time was had by all. Keep an eye out on the races section here for a hopeful return again in 2025.
START TO SUMMER
June provided some nice warm weather boating. Word from around the region that were most rivers were boating well, with limited reports of wood or other issues.
However, on July 10th, literally one year to-the-day after the historic flooding of 2023, Vermont was slammed again (more detail on this to come in the fall recap).
Many rivers saw significant flooding – and will likely be impacted by new wood and shifted rapids. As was the case with last year, for any trips down rivers unrun since spring, it would be prudent to exercise caution.
Additionally be aware that even late in the summer town and state crews are still diligently fixing roads as a result of this storm.
So keep those affected in mind, and be safe out there enjoying the warm weather and good flows being provided by summer.
See you on the river.
-Creek VT