Watching the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is addictive. Once I find a seat on the bank of stream, I can sit for hours (and do) watching paddlers navigate the rapids. Every couple of minutes, something exciting happens. And this year, due to the high water level and swift currents, the race was especially challenging.
Somehow, I managed to get a prime seat by the bridge that spans the stream after Six-Mile Falls, one of the most difficult section of rapids in the race.
Many racers opted to portage around the falls, but for those who chose to paddle over them, I was watching, and so were hundreds of other spectators, gathered on the banks of the stream, cheering them on, whether they navigated the falls successfully and remained (relatively) dry in their boats, or ended up swimming in the frothing water. We applauded their efforts. And boy did they put on a show.
I brought my camera, of course. And looking back on my photos from the event, I see a trend: hilarious facial expressions. So thanks again, racers, for an extra laugh. Maybe I’ll join you next year. But by the looks of it, I’ll have to practice my paddling — and swimming.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the names of all the people featured in the below photos. They were moving rather quickly, after all.
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Whose birthday is it? That’s an awesome gesture.
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The guy in the front looks so happy… in comparison to what’s going on behind him.
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These clowns. One of them went down the falls backward — and they made it!
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So.. that looks cold. I heard the water was like 40 degrees?
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One of the many young paddlers braving the falls. He looks determined. And they made it!
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Now this was entertaining! Stand up paddleboarder taking on Six Mile Falls. And he made it look easy.
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She was soon to follow. You go, girl! She also made it without dumping into the water.
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Gotta love these girls with the tall hairdos (bottles?). They’ve been a part of the race for a few years now. I watched their boat tip a couple years ago, but this time, they made it over the falls! Kudos to the guy who dyed his hair and joined them.
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Gumby! First he saved a few racers who’d upended their boat above the falls, then he made it over the rapids!
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One of the craziest flips I saw, and they didn’t look too concerned. All made it to shore safely.
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One of the craziest flips I saw, and they didn’t look too concerned. All made it to shore safely.
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That’s one tough racer. Brrr…
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I love this photo. Taking care of business.
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Gotta love the standing Zip Kellogg and his roses.
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Victory!
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These guys were my favorite, facial expression-wise. I believe they belong to a fraternity? Looking at their flag.
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They dropped in a hairy spot but muscled it out.
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Then the front guy celebrates early and nearly tips the boat. I like his pants.
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But they get out of it safely. Nice work.
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I like the rabbits.. and the front guy’s expression — “Hell no.”
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I had to zoom into this photo to realize that this guy is wearing a Stitch hat from Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch.” It must have been a lucky hat because they made it.
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Probably the best boat in the race. After making it through Six-Mile Falls, they delight the crowd by bringing out a horn.