1998 Canoeing Committee Update:

The Maine Chapter Canoe Committee is very active. We run trips almost every weekend from ice out (generally in early March) through mid-October. Most trips are one-day whitewater trips, but we normally have a few canoe camping trips and a few flatwater and sea kayaking trips. The schedule is listed in the chapter newsletter, Wilderness Matters, throughout the paddling season.

The 1998 paddling season was quite typical. We had over 75 trips, which included about 60 whitewater trips, 6 canoe camping trips and the balance were flatwater and sea kayaking trips. The committee also had bootleg trips up and down the east coast of the United States and several trips to Canada.

A normal paddling year generally begins with trips on the mountain streams in New Hampshire and western Maine such as the New Hampshire Swift, Webb Stream and several sections of the Carrabassett and easier trips on the coastal rivers such as the Sheepscot and the St. George.  These trips are generally followed by trips on larger volume free  flowing rivers such as the Mattawamkeag and rafting releases primarily on the Dead River. During the summer months and early fall, we normally have scheduled trips on the Kennebec, Dead, West Branch of the Penobscot and Rapid Rivers, all of which are dam controlled and have predictable releases. The majority of the trips are Class III or Class IV, but we have an active group of Class II Trip Leaders and the number of Class II trips is on the increase.

We have several experienced Canoe Camping Trip Leaders who lead trips on Maine's great tripping rivers such as the Allagash, St. John, St. Croix, Machias, East Branch of the Penobscot and many others. They also frequently organize trips to more exotic faraway places. There are also several committee members who are active with mountaineering in the winter months and there is normally a mountain trip informally scheduled on most weekends from late November to ice out.

The committee welcomes new paddlers and encourages particpation in paddling sports. However, there are inherent dangers in paddling sports, especially whitewater, and safety is a committee priority.  Signing on to a trip that is beyond one's ability puts everyone at risk. Paddlers unknown to the trip leader should expect to be queried about their skills, experience and equipment. There will be a "New Paddlers" meeting at Suzanne and Gary Cole's house in North Monmouth on March 12, 1998. While attendance is not a required, new paddlers, experienced and inexperienced, are encouraged to attend. It will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with active chapter paddlers and learn of committee plans for the 1999 paddling season. Anyone interested should call the Coles at (207) 933-4025 for details.

The committee also sponsors canoe and kayak rolling sessions during the winter months. This year Dave Duggan (207-633-5254) is leading sessions at the Boothbay YMCA on January 23rd and February 27th, and the January session will be followed by a potluck supper and the committee's winter meeting at Dave's house. Ken Gordon (207-784-2745) will be leading rolling sessions at the Lewiston YWCA on March 14th and 21st. The sessions are limited to true whitewater boats, either canoes or kayaks, and they are not instructionals, rather practice sessions.  However, there are usually experienced paddlers who have rolls that are willing to give advice or provide helpful tips. Anyone interested should call Dave or Ken as indicated.

The committee also sponsors safety related programs. During the past two years, we have had swiftwater rescue instructionals. This year we anticipate focusing on firstaid and CPR training and a Class II whitewater instructional. The Wilderness Matters should be consulted for details.

Every effort is made to adhere to the trip schedule; however, trip leaders have the right to cancel or modify trips because of water levels, weather or any other safety reason. Trip leaders also have the right to limit participation and judge a paddler's qualification and equipment for any specific trip as it affects the paddlers safety or the ability to run a safe trip. Phone calls to committee and trip leaders should normally be made weekday evenings before 9:00 P.M.  Since all leaders are volunteers without expense accounts, long distance calls will not normally be returned. Rather, callers are encouraged to keep trying. Anyone desiring more knowledge about the committee and it's activities should call the Canoe Chair, Ron Chase at (207) 725-4342. Hope to see you on the rivers.

Ron Chase
Committee Chair