Special giveaway offered for annual canoe and kayak race today at Higley Flow

 

COLTON — The 20th annual Round the Islands Canoe and Kayak Race kicks off at 10 a.m. today and will be highlighted by a special giveaway following the event.

The competition begins and ends at Brookfield Power’s “Big Rock” picnic area and boat launch off Pine Road on Higley Flow.

The day will feature a variety of races, fireworks and food and is sponsored by the Higley Flow Association.

“We are unusual in that we get way more kayaks than we do canoes. We make a real effort to have classes that people will be competitive in,” association member Judy A. Fuhr said. “We usually have about 30 boats in the races.”

The youth race totals approximately 1 mile, while the adult course stretches about 4 miles.

“We emphasize that it is competitive but also recreational and is low key. There are classes for advanced paddlers but also for less experienced ones,” Ms. Fuhr said. “Usually we start in waves. We start the youths before the adults.”

There are six different classes, with more added on race day to accommodate all boaters.

Ms. Fuhr said that the adult racers typically return by 11 a.m. and then there are paddle boat races, food and refreshments served.

Since the death of avid kayaker Charles M. Palmer in 1997 at the age of 78, his family members have presented the Veteran Paddler Award in his memory at the conclusion of the races.

This year, however, Mr. Palmer’s son Lawrence will be donating his father’s favorite kayak in a free giveaway.

“(We’re involved) because of my dad’s interest in kayaking. He taught hundreds of kids to waterski and was really into kayaking. He was very active even at his ...more