Smith River Canoe/Kayak Race
Event Details
The 48th Annual Great Smith River Canoe and Kayak Race, sponsored by the Wolfeboro Lions Club, will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, starting at 1:15 p.m.
The race begins at Allen Albee Beach on Lake Wentworth, passes through Smith River to Crescent Lake, down the lower Smith River to Back Bay, and then to Dockside. The race is approximately 4 miles long and includes a mild white-water stretch and two short portages. There are 10 classes intended to accommodate paddlers of all abilities.
Registration runs from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the day of the race at Albee Beach. Registration forms are also available at the Wolfeboro Town Hall, the Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, and through the online form. The first 50 racers to register will receive t-shirts. For additional information, call Roger Murray at (603) 569-4697.
“OFFICIAL RULES”
1. Life jackets must be worn by all entrants. Only U. S. Coast Guard approved life jackets will be accepted. (Must be over the shoulder type.) Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
2. Official judges reserve the right to make all final decisions regarding this race, or parts thereof.
3. At portage areas, only entrants may carry canoes and kayaks.
4. All canoes must have 6’ grab lines bow and stern, and kayaks must have grab loops bow and stern.
5. All canoes and kayaks will be checked for above rules and if regulations are not met, the entrants will not be accepted.
6. All entrants must run the river portion of the race course. For safety reasons no more than two persons are allowed per canoe.
CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY: Please inspect your canoe or kayak and remove any tag-along plants, animals and algae before launching.
CAUTION: River may not have enough water in it prior to dam release on race date. Use discretion concerning practice runs.
Race Course Description: The race course will again start from the Allen Albee Beach on Route 28. The course will be from the beach directly across Lake Wentworth to Smith River, down the length of Crescent Lake to portage at the dam (portage on right), down another section of Smith River (fast water), a portage in Wolfeboro Falls and then into Back Bay and to the finish at the Town Docks on Lake Winnipesaukee. The approximate length of the race is four miles.
Due to increasing parking pressure at the beach area, no cars without canoes will be permitted to enter the Moose Point Road after 12:00 noon. The road will be completely closed to all non-emergency vehicles from 12:45 p.m. on, when registration closes. Please help and comply with Lions Club members who are in charge of parking.
For additional information, call Roger Murray, (603) 569-4697.