AMC Maine Chapter Paddling Committee Annual Report
Submitted by Dave Lanman, Co-chair
October 2, 2004

It was another good season on the water. There were 22 events scheduled, with 3 being cancelled and some venues being changed due to early season weather and/or later season low water. Again, most events were conducted jointly with MOAC or PPCS, which helps raise the participation level. In total, some 176 persons participated in scheduled activities. Trips ranged from rolling clinics in the Lewiston Y pool and early day trips on the St. George and Sheepscot--with us launching from ice encrusted banks and then scooting among the rocks that had ice sheets still teetering on their tops--to longer and warmer trips on the Allagash and Aroostook rivers, and the ever popular Errol Weekend on the Androscoggin which draws upward of 30 people who come to tube the Rips or boat at Pontook. Some of us again joined the floating mob for the annual Kenduskeag race which had one of the best water levels in years, enabling a rare shoot down the middle at Six Mile Falls, where a side channel is usually the only way to get through.

Again, Carolyn Welch and I led many of the trips, but I want to acknowledge and thank the following for leading one or more trips: 
Phil Haines for leading both some first timers, like myself, and some veterans down the Allagash. The bugs were a problem, but the lakes were calm and the water level was perfect.

Ken Hutchins for taking us on the Middle Saco in NH, a trip that has been cancelled often in recent years due to low or high water, but had just the right level this year, if a few new strainers to dodge.

Bob Collins who took on the Ossipee in late season when there is always a risk of too little water, but this year there was more than enough, though the wind chill prevented a second run.

Jim Tierney who led a group on the Aroostook River, familiar to him as he has a camp there, but a new experience for many.

Moe Galarneau for leading his popular annual flat water trip on the Ellis.

Rich Sousa who led or co-led trips on the Sandy, Carrabassett and others.

Bob Sheckley has stepped down as Co-chair of the Paddling Committee. Bob was unable to get on the water much, but was helpful with some of the clerical necessaries of the Committee. We thank him.

I want to welcome Rich Sousa as the new Co-chair and thank him for his willingness to take on the task. Rich will be able to spend time on the water leading trips, and hopefully will be able to attend Executive Committee meetings regularly to represent the paddlers.

Last but not least, I want to say how much I regret the departure of Carolyn Welch from this club. Not only will she be missed as Membership Chair, but she has acted as de-facto paddling Co-chair for years, scheduling and leading many trips. We will miss her energy, enthusiasm and devotion to the water sports.