Every year the beginning of spring is celebrated in Bangor, Maine by having a race down the Kenduskeag Stream. Over 420 canoes and kayaks ran the course this year. This is a long way from a world class run and and is done for the pure pleasure of being out after a hard winter. About 2,000 people gather on the banks near 6 mile falls and cheer for the ones that make it through the rapids without tipping over. They also cheer for the ones that flip over. There are even a few costumes.

Because of many reasons the photos I got are a long way from good. This was my first experience at trying to shoot an event. Along with being a learning experience, it added to the pleasure of the day. I've posted about 15 images at
kenduskeag_steam_race Photo Gallery by Ken Regier at pbase.com

The biggest thing I learned is as much as I love my primes I need to get a good zoom lens. The day was a ball and hope you enjoy the photos.

Regards,

[NaClH2O]

Yea! Boats! I lurve boats, any kind of boats. I checked out your site. Nice shots Ken, but I gotta ask, it doesn't look like any made it! From your photos I'd say the score was Kenduskeag 420; Canoeists and kayakers 0! I also have to agree with you about zooms, I learned the exact same thing at the kite festival I shot. I really wish I had bought along the 50-200.

NaCl(I betchya I could have made it in a pulling boat)H2O

[dufruf]

You have some great shots in your gallery. I love boats, also. And here I am living in the desert!

Mike

[regken]

Thanks for looking guys. About 50% of the boats made it through without tipping, but what fun is that? Glad you liked the shots.

Thanks,

[Rick]

Look like a few strainers are in the water... kind of makes my skin crawl.

[regken]

Look like a few strainers are in the water... kind of makes my skin crawl.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean by strainers.

Thanks,

[Rick]

Sorry, I don't know what you mean by strainers.

Strainers are trees and branches in whitewater. If you're unfortunate enough to end up against them on the upstream side while kayaking, canoeing, tubing, whatever, more often than not you drown. The water sweeps through the branches and trees but you don't and are held against those branches and trees = strainer.

[justuspr]

Very nice, 2 and 6 were some of my favorites.

2 you can see how cold it must be from the look on that guys face.

6 the guy on the canoe is holding it out of reach of the other guy, my first thought was "With friends like that..."